THE DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government on Thursday said that cases of violence against women and children increased in the past seven months.

Citing data from the Philippine National Police, the agency said 6,383 VAW cases and 9,677 cases of violence against children were reported from January to July.

This prompted DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos urged local government units to strengthen their efforts in addressing such violence.

“The protection of women and children and welfare of solo parents are issues that the President and his administration will focus on,” Abalos said in a statement.

“We are, therefore, urging our LGUs to respond with fervor and intensify programs and policies addressing these concerns. Protektahan at pangalagaan natin ang kanilang kapakanan,” he added.

Abalos urged LGUs to intensify their campaign against VAWC.

LGUs have the mandate to issue protection orders through a social worker; lead education and information campaigns on violence, particularly towards educating the public on its social impacts and ensure sustained education and training of officers and personnel on the prevention of violence against women and their children under the Act.