In support of the 18 Day Campaign to End VAW from November 25-December 12, the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) with National Prosecution Service (NPS) Region XI led by RP Janet Dalisay-Fabrero, held a "Justice in Action Lecture Series" on Monday in a bid to raise awareness, provide a platform for open dialogue, and empower individuals to take action against violence and discrimination against women.

The free VAW lecture was held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges - College of Law in Davao City, with 103 law students in attendance. By engaging experts and advocates to discuss Safe Spaces Act or R.A. No. 11313 and Rape and other related penal laws, the lecture series seeks to educate and inspire participants to advocate for justice and help put an end to VAW.

This is in line with SOJ Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla’s mandate and fervent support to end VAW, having declared an “all-out war" against all forms of violence, injustice and discrimination against women. SOJ Remulla has previously pledged to go after the perpetrators of VAW using the full extent of law.

"VAW should have no place in a society where the rule of law reigns supreme, this is a call to action for each and everyone, take up your torch in being a catalyst for change and awareness about the perils that lurk among our women, children and vulnerable fellow Filipinos in desperate need for protection," Secretary Remulla said.

Heeding SOJ Remulla’s to empower victims of VAW by disseminating information on available support services and resources of the government aimed at empowering VAW survivors, ASP Joan Guevarra discussed how to file cases involving Gender Based Sexual Harassment and talked about DOJ Action Center’s services that victims of VAW can avail of. The DOJ Action Center and all its regional offices readily provide legal aid and counselling to VAW victims and give appropriate referrals/indorsements to government agencies for assistance such as the NBI and PAO.

Former Senior State Prosecutor Lillian Doris emphasized in her rape lecture that, “Women are not chattels, they’re humans. There is no excuse for any violence against women.”

This year's 18-day to end VAW is themed “VAW Bigyang-Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” which will run from 25 November to 12 December in accordance with the State's commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence.

RP Fabrero called to action the law student attendees, “This is a very timely activity. Even as law students, you can actively participate in this campaign to end VAW by sharing your knowledge, your time and your support to activities that help victims of violence.”

Earlier, a press conference/Kapihan was held in SM City Davao by the PIA with DOJAC, NPS-Region XI, DSWD, PNP, and IGAD Office, raising awareness on the 18 Day Campaign statistics on VAW and services victims may avail of.