Advisers

Keint Carlos R. Dela Cruz, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) remains a serious social and public safety concern in the Philippines despite the implementation of Republic Act No. 9262, which mandates the establishment of Women and Children Protection Desks (WCPDs) in all police stations under the Philippine National Police. These desks serve as frontline units responsible for ensuring victim protection, legal assistance, and coordinated support services. The effectiveness of WCPDs at the local level determines whether national policies translate into meaningful protection. This study assessed the level of performance of the WCPD in Police Station 4, Novaliches Proper, Quezon City, focusing on interagency collaboration and the provision of economic, medical, and psychological support. Anchored on the Survivor-Centered Transformative Justice Framework, the study examined whether current practices align with trauma-informed, victim-centered, and collaborative approaches. The study utilized a quantitative descriptive design. A total of 60 purposively selected respondents participated, composed of police personnel, staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), barangay officials, and community members. Data were gathered using a validated self-developed questionnaire covering interagency collaboration and support services. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, and weighted mean were applied to analyze perceived performance levels. Findings revealed that the WCPD of Police Station 4 demonstrated a high level of performance. Interagency collaboration, particularly with the DSWD and barangay units, was rated highly effective and contributed to timely case response and coordinated victim assistance. Economic referrals, medical interventions, and psychological support services were positively assessed, indicating that victims generally received immediate and appropriate assistance. However, follow-up monitoring and long-term psychological support were identified as areas needing improvement. The results suggest strong institutional commitment to collaborative and survivor-centered service delivery. Effective coordination enhances comprehensive victim protection, while holistic support services promote recovery and empowerment. Strengthening follow-up systems and sustained psychosocial care is recommended to ensure long-term rehabilitation and improved public trust in protection mechanisms.

Keywords

Police Performance, interagency collaboration, VAWC, Women and Children Protection Desk, Economic Support, Psychological Support