GENDER OMBUD REPORT 2016 Below are some of the highlights of the VAW monitoring activities, results, and recommendations from select CHR regional offices. Common observations across regional reports include the 16 increasing number of VAWC cases, making it the most prevalent form of gender-based violence (GBV); limited capabilities of direct service providers to address VAWC cases as well as cases of multiple and intersecting forms of GBV; and lack of political will to operationalize mechanisms (e.g. AntiVAWC desks VAWC) against GBV, even if these are mandated by law. HIGHLIGHTS OF CHR REGIONAL OFFICES MONITORING REPORT ON VIOLENCE AGINST WOMEN REGION I Rape in relation to the Anti-Child Abuse Law was the most prevalent form of VAW documented in the region. The Regional Office resolved 17 cases in 2016; six of these cases involved incest rape of children by their fathers. It was noted that many of the complaints received were dropped or were settled. The latter is prohibited by law, yet it is being practiced. The Regional Office also visited 85 barangays to monitor the functionality of their AntiVAWC desks. They obsevred that while there were Anti-VAWC desks, their operations fall short from the standards for gender sensitivity and responsiveness. REGION II Violations of R. A. 9262 remain the highest category of complaints received by the Regional Office. It also noted that majority of these cases involved economic abuse, and often by OFW (overseas Filipino worker) husbands. The assistance of the Regional Office to date is limited to referrals to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); for some instances, this action was successful. REGION III The Regional Office received 18 VAWC cases pertaining to economic abuse, specifically regarding lack of financial support to the woman or the family. The Regional Office facilitated mediation or conciliation to resolve the issue per request of the complainant. Although the DILG report show that all barangays in Region III have Anti-VAWC desks at the barangay level, there are issues regarding the responsiveness and quality of services provided. Violations of the Anti-VAWC Law are high in the region, with the regional DSWD office documenting 129 cases of trafficking and 84 cases involving women in especially difficult circumstances (WEDC). The CHR Regional Office also noted the GAD-related activities in Central Luzon. Several agencies reported conducting gender and women’s human rights trainings in 2016.25 The DOH Region III also lobbied for the LGBTI representation in the local AIDS Council as part of their gender equality advocacy. These are the regional offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine National Polce (PNP), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Housing Authority (NHA). 25