In 2022, Region V (Bicol) topped the incidents of violence against women in the same age group at 26.5%, followed by Region I (Ilocos) at 25% and Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) at 23.7%, the PSA reported on  its website.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) had the least incidents of VAW at 5.6%, followed by Region IV-A at 13.9% and the National Capital Region at 13.4%.

Balmes said more LGUs could set up their own women violence services similar to the

Gender and Development (GAD) local government hubs that some LGUs have established.

“We need the support of all the agencies and local government units in our campaign to end violence against women and children to drive home the message that there is no room for violence (in society),” she added.

Balmes admitted that the 18-Day Campaign to end VAW was not enough to raise awareness, noting that the help-seeking behavior of women remains low at 42%, or only two in five women never told anyone and sought help about the violence they experienced, while 24%, or one in four women, told someone but never sought help.

The NDHS provides data for monitoring the health situation in the Philippines. It also outlines the latest statistics on issues concerning women and children, including their employment and earnings, access to reproductive healthcare, childhood mortality, exposure to violence, health insurance coverage, vaccination status, and breastfeeding. (AM, PIA 4A)