Based on a study done by the Social Technology Bureau (STB) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), around 1 in 6 people 60 years old and above experienced some form of abuse in community settings in 2021. Likewise, the rates of elderly abuse in nursing homes and long-term case facilities are also high.
To address this issue of abuse and maltreatment of older persons, the bureau came up with a system that would put into place the necessary protocols and procedures to prevent, protect, and report cases of elderly abuse — a system referred to as “ReSPPEC.”
What is ReSPPEC?
The Reporting System and Prevention Program for Elderly Abuse Cases (ReSPPEC) is a community-based project that strengthens networks between and among the senior citizens sectors, partners, and stakeholders to ensure the holistic and efficient delivery of services to respond to elderly abuse cases.
The project aims to develop a holistic system that would put into place the necessary mechanisms and procedures for reporting, investigating, intervening, documenting, monitoring, and providing follow-up services to victims of elderly abuse in the community.
Furthermore, the project provides support groups for the perpetrators/abuser and treatment on ways to change their behavior. It has components for the values formation and rehabilitation of perpetrators/abusers to stop the cycle of violence. In addition, the project also seeks to strengthen family ties and peer support to help prevent abuse among the elderly.
The legal bases of ReSPPEC includes the Philippine Constitution, which states, “The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the State may also do so through just programs of social security” (Article XV, Section 4 on Family). Other legal bases of the project are Republic Act 9257, Republic Act 7876, and Republic Act 9994, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Objectives of the Program
Generally, the ReSPPEC program aims to protect the rights of the elderly against all forms of abuse by having knowledge in detecting the abuse, preventing it, and establishing local reporting mechanisms and a referral system in order to provide services for their full rehabilitation/recovery.
Specifically, the program seeks to:
- Establish local reporting mechanisms in the management of elderly abuse cases;
- Capacitate the people in the communities;
- Develop a data banking system on elderly abuse cases;
- Provide support services not limited to medical, psycho-social, economics, and legal services to elderly abuse victim-survivors and their families;
- Provide rehabilitation and support services for suspected abusers/offenders to mitigate the effects of violence; and
- Intensify public awareness on elderly abuse through advocacy activities.
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of the ReSPPEC program include: older persons, their families, and communities.
Components of the Program
The components of the program are:
- Social Preparation;
- Establishment of a Reporting Mechanism for Elderly Abuse;
- Case Management;
- Elderly Abuse Awareness and Advocacy Program;
- Database System;
- Referral Network; and
- Capability Building.
Pilot Areas
The pilot implementation of the ReSPPEC program was conducted in the following areas:
- Region I – San Carlos City, Pangasinan;
- Region VI – Lambunao, Iloilo;
- Region XI – Maco, Compostela Valley; and
- National Capital Region (NCR) – Valenzuela City
Here are the program’s major milestones after pilot implementation:
In San Carlos City, Pangasinan, 300 project beneficiaries from 86 barangays were reached. PHP 1 million budget was included for the program in the cty’s annual investment plan. Moreover, there is continuous delivery of services and monitoring.
In Valenzuela City, a total of 102 clients were provided medical and financial assistance from 2019 to 2020. Meanwhile, from January to September 2021, a total of 56 older persons were given stress debriefing, counseling, and Balik Probinsya assistance. Finally, every October, food packs and Go Bags (health and hygiene kits) are provided to beneficiaries.
In Lambunao, Iloilo, support services were given to 64 elders-at-risk/in difficult situations. Of these, 47 came from pilot barangays, and 17 came from non-pilot barangays.
In Maco, Compostela Valley, project orientations held in various barangays led to the replication of the project, as follows:
- 2019 – 4 barangays;
- 2020 – 6 barangays; and
- 2021 – 5 barangays.
Notably, the municipality had allocated PHP 100,000 for elderly abuse cases and PHP 585,000 for support to senior systems. Continuous delivery of services is also done.
Video: Radio Program Featurs ReSPPEC
To know more about ReSPPEC, watch this episode of “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” a program of the DSWD and DWDD 1134 radio station. In this episode, the hosts interview Maureenlie Velasco, Lead Focal for Pilot Testing and Promotion of the ReSPPEC program:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions — and answers — about the ReSPPEC program:
1. What is ReSPPEC?
ReSPPEC stands for “Reporting System and Prevention Program for Elderly Abuse Cases.” It is a community-based project that strengthens networks between and among various sectors, to ensure the efficient delivery of services to elderly abuse cases.
2. What are its objectives?
The general objective of the program is to protect the rights of the elderly against all forms abuse by having knowledge in the detection of abuse, its prevention, and the establishment of mechanisms and a referral system to provide necessary services.
3. Who are its target beneficiaries?
The target beneficiaries of the program include older persons, their families, and communities.
4. What are its components?
The components of the ReSPPEC program are: (a) Social Preparation; (b) Establishment of a Reporting Mechanism for Elderly Abuse; (c) Case Management; (d) Elderly Abuse Awareness and Advocacy Program; (e) Database System; (f) Referral Network; and (g) Capability Building.
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the program by visiting the nearest DSWD Office in your area.
Contact Information: Social Technology Bureau
For inquiries and concerns about the ReSPPEC program, you can get in touch with the Social Technology Bureau (STB), which is located at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. Its office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.
Address: Social Technology Bureau, 3rd Floor, Matapat Building, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Central Office, IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 8951 7124 / 8951 2802 / 8931 8144
Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://stb.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Infographic About Project
Meanwhile, here is an infographic featuring an overview of the ReSPPEC program:
Final Thoughts
The Filipino culture is known for its great respect for the elderly; unfortunately, from time to time we hear cases about the abuse of older persons. Hence, it is a good thing that the DSWD has programs such as ReSPPEC to address these cases.
Aside from the above program, there are other DSWD initiatives for older persons. Check out this link to read about the Home Care Support Services for Senior Citizens (HCSSSC). In addition, head to this link to learn about the Intergenerational Program for Older Persons and Children (INTERGEN).