REPORTING A CHILD ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION CASE

Question 1

To Whom a Report of Child Abuse be made

Answer 1

Department of social welfare and development

Local social welfare and development office of the province, municipal or city

Philippine National Police

National Bureau of Investigation

Other law enforcement agencies

Barangay or barangay council for the protection of children (BCPC)

Question 2

Who has the duty to report cases of child abuse

Answer 2

Teachers and school administrators

Probation officers

Government lawyers

Law enforcement officers

Barangay officials

Corrections officers

Other government officers and employees whose work deals with children

Question 3

Who are mandated to report child abuse

Answer 3

Head of the public or private hospital , medical clinic or similar institution treating the child

Attending physician or nurse

Note:
Report should be made within 48 hours to the DSWD or the LSWD

Failure to report has fine of P2,000 or as may be determined by the court

Question 4

liability in reporting child abuse

Answer 4

Any person who, acting in good faith, reports a child abuse case shall be free from any civil or administrative liability. As much as possible, the persons who report should give their names and contact details for further contacts, if necessary. Their protection and anonymity shall be assured.

Question 5

Important information to when reporting child abuse cases

Answer 5

Name

Age

Address or whereabouts of child
the reasons that child may be at risk or in an abusive or exploitative situation) and the alleged perpetrator.

However, any relevant information to suspect that a child is being abused or exploited shall suffice to initiate any action and investigation

Question 6

Who can file a complaint of child abuse

Answer 6

Offended party

Parent or legal guardian

Ascendant or collateral relative w/in the 3rd degree of consanguinity

Duly authorized officer or DSWD social worker or LSWDO
Officer, social worker or representative of a licensed child caring institution

Punong barangay

At least 3 responsible citizens of the community where the abuse took place who have personal knowledge of the offense committed

Question 8

How many hours should DSWD investigation commence after the receipt of report of child abuse

Answer 8

Not later than 48 hrs. from receipt of report.

Question 9

Explain the proceeding of the Investigation of the DSWD

Answer 9

Not later than 48 hrs. from receipt of report.

By immediately proceeding to the home or establishment where the alleged child victim is found

Interviewing the child to determine whether an abuse was committed, identity of perpetrator, need to remove child from home/establishment, or replacing him under protective custody.

Question 10

Duties of DSWD if there is child abuse

Answer 10

File petition for the involuntary commitment of the child victim under P.D. 603 if investigation confirms commission of child abuse.

Ask the court to suspend the parental authority of the parent or guardian who abused the victim.

In cases of sexual abuse, ask permanent deprivation of parental authority.

Question 11

Discuss the protective custody by DSWD

Answer 11

If the investigation discloses sexual abuse, serious physical injuries or life-threatening neglect, the duly authorized officer or social worker of DSWD shall immediately remove the child from his home or the establishment where he was found and place him under protective custody.

The officer who takes protective custody of the child shall be exempt from any civil, criminal and administrative liability therefor

Question 12

Duties of DSWD after taking protective custody

Answer 12

Inform police or other law enforcement agency.

Refer the child to a government medical or health officer for physical/mental exam and/or medical treatment.

Determine rehabilitation or treatment program required.

Gather relevant data for filing criminal charges against abuser.

Question 13

What is an affidavit

Answer 13

Also referred to as a Sworn Statement

Is a statement of facts pertaining to an incident;

Executed by a person having personal knowledge of the facts s/he is attesting to; and

Subscribed before a person with authority to administer oath (e.g., fiscal, judge, notary public)

Question 14

Who prepares an affidavit

Answer 14

Lawyer

Paralegal or community advocate

Police,

Affiant.

Question 15

Forms of affidavit

Answer 15

Affidavits in QUESTION AND ANSWER Form

Narrative

Judicial Affidavits

Question 16

Parts of an affidavit

Answer 16

SS or scilicet

Title

Personal circumstances

Additional information about affiant
Facts of the case – before, during & after the incident

Purpose for executing the affidavit
Oath, Name and signature of affiant
Jurat and certification

Question 17

what is an affiant

Answer 17

A person who swears to an affidavit.