NGO helping trafficked women, children in CV

CEBU - A non-government organization based in the United States signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in helping trafficked women and children in Central Visayas.

For the past three years, the International Justice Mission (IJM) - Cebu has been working together with DSWD, other NGOs, local government units, the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies in the effort to reduce cases of human trafficking in Metro Cebu.

The IJM also helped the government put up a facility called “Her Space,” which served as a home for rescued victims.

Under this program, the group helps DSWD in providing holistic programs like victim support, recovery services and free legal assistance. Relevant training has also been conducted by IJM to DSWD Social workers.

Former trafficked victims are also given by the mission support in terms of educational assistance, skills and vocational trainings and other livelihood opportunities to make them more productive and help them prepare for a new life.

DSWD regional director Teodulo Romo Jr. said they are blessed to have a unique partnership which had helped a lot in addressing the growing concerns protecting women and children.

He also hopes that together with IJM, they could help more women not only in Cebu but in other regions as well. — AJ de la Torre, CIT Mass Communication Intern/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)