Violence against women and children (VAWC) is a serious issue that the country faces to this day. Fortunately, the Philippine government has been active in addressing this matter, establishing facilities and creating programs for victims of violence and abuse.
One of the facilities that are active in the fight against VAWC is the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC). Located in Lingayen, this center has been accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). In this article, we will learn more about the PCIC — its vision, target clients, programs, and services.
What is the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center?
Established on May 7, 2006, the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC) is a 24-hour facility that caters to individuals and families in crisis. The first of its kind in Region I, the center is operated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
In 2014, a new PCIC building was constructed, located at Lingayen District Hospital Compound in Lingayen, Pangasinan. It was inaugurated on March 20, 2014.
Among the legal bases for establishing the PCIC are: Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004); Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act); and Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2004), as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 20212).
So far, since it was established, the PCIC has served more than 4,000 clients from Pangasinan province as well as residents from nearby regions. These include individuals in crisis situations, senior citizens, solo parents, and victim-survivors of VAWC.
Vision, Mission, and Goals
The Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center is envisioned to be “a center of competence that strives to empower women and children to fight and eliminate all forms of violence, thereby promoting their sense of individuality and integrity.”
Objectives
The PCIC aims to serve as a safe, intermediary home for victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse.
The center seeks to eliminate all forms of violence by:
- Providing short-term shelter to women, children, and individuals who are victims-survivors of abuse;
- Operating 24-hour crisis hotlines;
- Providing counseling services;
- Facilitating medical or legal services;
- Conducting referral services; and
- Conducting Information Education Campaigns (IECs).
Target Clients
The target clients of the PCIC are women, children, and individuals who are victims-survivors of abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, and human trafficking.
Programs and Services
Upon receiving a walk-in, referred, or rescued client, the PCIC conducts an assessment to determine whether the client is eligible for admission or needs other forms of intervention. It provides the client with basic needs, such as food, clothes, and hygiene kits. If necessary, a psychological assessment of the client is also done.
When it comes to cases of violence against women and their children (VAWC), the PCIC follows a protocol in handling victim-survivors. In addition to accomplishing the General Intake Sheet, a dialogue is prepared. Moreover, in every case, the client is assured of protection from perpetrators.
The PCIC can accommodate an average of 20 clients in its temporary shelter for up to seven (7) days. During this period, they are provided with a comprehensive program that includes physical, psychosocial, financial, material, and legal services.
Before a client is discharged, the center evaluates whether he/she may be reintegrated to his/her family or relatives, or if he/she needs to be transferred to another agency for further intervention.
Notably, the center also operates a 24/7 hotline that provides information as well as counseling services. In addition, it regularly conducts awareness campaigns on gender-based violence (GBV), child sexual abuse, and other topics in different schools and barangays across the province of Pangasinan.
Special Awards
Over the years, the PCIC has been recognized for its programs and services. In 2017, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan has awarded it the Innovative Program award.
Meanwhile, the DSWD has given the center a Certificate of Accreditation for providing “First Level Standards in the Implementation of Residential-Based Programs and Services for Children, Youth, Women and Older Persons, Disaster Victims, PWDs, Families, and Communities.”
Furthermore, in 2019 was recognized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) as a GAD Local Learning Hub (LLH) for its efforts in responding to cases of individuals and families in crisis situations.
As of 2020, the PCW has certified 12 LGUs in the country as GAD LLHs: Mabalacat City (Region III), Quezon Province (CALABARZON Region), Palawan Province (MIMAROPA Region), Municipality of Abra de Ilog (MIMAROPA Region), Naga City (Region V), Aklan Province (Region VI), Iloilo Province (Region VI), Baybay City (Region VIII), Misamis Occidental Province (Region X), Davao City (Region XI, Quezon City (National Capital Region), and of course, Pangasinan Province (Region I).
To this day, the province of Pangasinan continues to combat VAWC and all forms of GBV through the PCIC.
Video: PCIC Celebrates International Women’s Day
Every year, the PCIC celebrates International Women’s Day, together with different women’s rights advocates all over the world. Check out this short video of the center’s staff as they commemorate the special day:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about the PCIC:
1. What is the PCIC?
The Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center or PCIC is a 24-hour facility that helps individuals and families in crisis.
2. What are its vision and mission?
The center is envisioned to be a center of competence that strives to empower women and children to fight and eliminate all forms of violence.
3. Who are its target clients?
The PCIC’s target clients are women, children, and individuals who are victims-survivors of abuse, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, and human trafficking.
4. What are its programs and services?
The center provides comprehensive and integrated services including physical, psychosocial, financial, material, and legal services. It also operates a 24/7 crisis hotline, and conducts awareness campaigns in schools and barangays in Pangasinan.
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the PCIC by visiting the center or getting in touch with it through phone or email. Below is the PCIC’s address, contact details, and location map.
Contact Information: Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center
Address: Jimenez St, Lingayen, Pangasinan
Telephone: 0968 681 8964 (Smart) / 0905 440 1267 (Globe)
Email: cicpang.jojicon@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pswdo.pcic/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center is a great example of a facility that addresses the needs of individuals and families in crisis. Its programs that address gender-based violence and violence against women and children are truly commendable, indeed!
Speaking of gender-based violence, the DSWD recommends using the Gender Responsive Case Management (GRCM) model to address such cases. Check out this article to learn more about it!