Violence against women and children is one of the most serious problems in our society today. It refers to any act committed against a woman or child — an act that results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Such acts include domestic violence, coercion, harassment, and rape.
If left untreated or unresolved, the pain and suffering caused by violence and abuse could last for years. Victims often feel helpless and powerless; and so, they need much assistance and holistic intervention. Fortunately, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has several accredited facilities for victims of abuse. One example is the Sidlakan Women Crisis Center in Davao City.
What is Sidlakan Women Crisis Center?
Sidlakan Women Crisis Center is a residential care facility for women and children who are victims of violence. It also serves as a 24-hour crisis center, providing various assistance and services.
The facility caters to victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). They are protected by Republic Act 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.”
Sidlakan Women Crisis Center is managed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of the City Government of Davao. As a social welfare office, it is tasked to provide social services to those who are disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited.
As of August 2023, the facility had 16 residents, the youngest being 26 days old and the oldest resident at 30 years old.
Target Clients
The target clients of the Sidlakan Women Crisis Center are women and children who are victims of violence or abuse.
Objectives
Generally speaking, the Sidlakan Women Crisis Center aims to:
- Provide basic social services to women and children who are victims of violence or abuse;
- Facilitate women and children’s reunion or reintegration with their families, relatives, and community;
- Conduct practical skills development for women and children, for them to become productive and self-reliant individuals; and
- Establish linkages with other institutions and agencies for placement and other necessary services.
Programs and Services
Usually, clients are referred to Sidlakan Women Crisis Center through the Quick Response Team for Children’s Concerns (QRTCC). The facility does not accept walk-ins. Once admitted, most clients stay in the center for at least six (6) months.
As for programs services, the facility provides:
- Basic Services. Clients are provided food, shelter, clothing, toiletries, and other day-to-day needs.
- Health Services. A team of health practitioners are tapped to take care of the physical, psychological, and mental health of clients.
- Legal Assistance. Throughout the whole legal process (interviews, case conference, appearance in court, etc.), clients are given assistance.
- Practical Skills Development. From time to time, the facility invites resource persons to teach skills such as baking, soap-making, and more. Products are sold to partners and visitors; the proceeds are given to clients as soon as they are discharged.
- Reunion or Reintegration. Before they are discharged, clients are prepared for reunion or reintegration with their families, relatives, and the community.
Latest Updates
Meanwhile, here are some latest news and updates about Sidlakan Women Crisis Center:
Center Celebrates 15th Anniversary
The Sidlakan Women Crisis Center celebrated 15 years of service last August 2023, based on a news report from the official website of the City Government of Davao. In an interview with the City Information Office, Center Overseer Rosabelle Diacamus, RSW, expressed her gratitude for the support of the center’s partners.
“Amoang ginapagpasalamat sa 15 years kay lig-on ang amoang partnership sa amoang mga partners, ang Department of Justice (DOJ), ang atoang kapulisan, ang atoang barangay, ang atoang barangay social workers, ug atoang partners sa private gani (We are grateful for 15 years of strong partnership with our partners, the DOJ, the police, our barangay, our barangay social workers, and our private partners),” Diacamus stated.
PNP Forensic Team Holds Gift Giving
Many groups and organizations often visit the center to give donations or provide various services. Last December 2023, the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU 11), together with the Regional Advisory Council, held a “gift giving” event for the residents.
BFAR Donates Frozen Tuna
Last July 4, 2024, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Region XI distributed seized imported frozen tuna ribs to several charitable institutions in Davao City, including Sidlakan Women Crisis Center.
The fishery products were discovered last June 8 by the Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Unit (FIQU) – 2nd border inspector. It was founds that the products exceeded approved volume. In accordance with exiting laws, the excess frozen tuna ribs were forfeited by the government.
And so, FIQU, in coordination with the Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC) of BFAR XI, managed the distribution of the excess frozen tuna ribs.
Aside from the Sidlakan Women Crisis Center, other charitable institutions received the food donation, including: Balay Dangupan, Davao Brave Warriors,Foundation of Balay Pasilungan, House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer, Love the Children Foundation, and the Regional Superior of the Missionaries of Charity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile here’s a brief Q&A about the facility:
1. What is Sidlakan Women Crisis Center?
Sidlakan Women Crisis Center is a 24-hour crisis intervention center and residential care facility for women and children who are victims of violence.
2. Who are its target clients?
The facility’s target clients are women and children who are victims of violence or abuse.
3. What are its objectives?
The facility provides holistic interventions, including: basic social services, reunion or reintegration with families, practical skills development, and other services that may be needed.
4. What are its programs and services?
The facility provides basic social services to its clients, as well as health services, legal assistance, practical skills development, and reunion or reintegration assistance.
5. How can I learn more about it?
If you want to know more about Sidlakan Women Crisis Center, you can get in touch with the facility through its contact details below.
Contact Information: Sidlakan Women Crisis Center
Address: Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur
Telephone: (082) 296-25-66
Email: cswdo@davaocity.gov.ph
Website: https://cswdo.davaocity.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the Sidlakan Women Crisis Center, women and children who are victims of domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation can overcome their traumatic experiences and start on the path towards total healing. Kudos to the CSWDO of Davao City for their hard work and dedication!
Other than women and children, another sector that needs help are the elderly people who have been abandoned or neglected. Fortunately, there is a residential facility that takes care of them: Co Su Gian Home for the Aged. Check out this article to learn more!