QC, UST team up to help battered women

The Quezon City government has partnered with the University of Sto. Tomas Graduate School’s Psychotrauma Clinic to help victims and survivors of gender-based violence in the city.

Under the "Kanlungan ng Kababaihan at Kabataan (KKK-SEP)" wellness program, victims of violence against women and children shall be provided free psychotherapeutic services by trained counselors from UST, to empower these victims to become productive members of the community again.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. hailed the project as timely during the celebration of Women’s Month.

The project, which forms part of UST’s community service program, was initiated by Councilor Joseph Juico to benefit marginalized residents of District 1.

Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, who was present during the recent launching ceremony, lauded Juico for the project, saying that it is vital in the effort of further strengthening women’s rights in Quezon City.

"This project was a clear manifestation that the leaders of Quezon City are sensitive to protecting the rights of its residents," Bautista said.

Meanwhile, lawyer Victoria Loanzon, special assistant to the mayor, suggested that the scheme be adopted in all the four districts of Quezon City. UST was represented by Dean Lilian Sison and Dr. Ma. Lourdes Medina during the launch.