DepEd Direct lines for Victims of Sexual Abuse or harassment in Schools

In order to facilitate reporting of sexual assault and harassment occurrences, particularly those that occurred in schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) has established direct lines for victims.

Sara Duterte, vice president and education secretary, has ordered the establishment of direct lines for victims-survivors of sexual abuse or harassment so they can immediately report their experiences to DepEd, according to Michael Poa, a DepEd spokesperson, who spoke at a joint press conference on Thursday, Sept. 8.

“Naiintindihan natin yung plight ng victims pagdating sa ganitong napaka-sensitibong matter (We understand the plight of the victims when it comes to this very sensitive matter), Poa said.

“Poa underlined that DepEd, under the direction of Duterte, has a "zero-tolerance policy" for all sorts of abuse committed in our schools, especially against our students, in a separate statement released to the media.

In order to make sure that schools across the nation are safe havens for students and devoid of sexual predators, Poa added, "DepEd is treating any reports of sexual abuse and violence against our learners in schools seriously."

DepEd recommended victims of sexual abuse and violence in grades K–12 to report these instances immediately to the Office of the Secretary, acknowledging that disclosing such experiences is "frequently impeded by fear and sense of embarrassment."

"Help us assist you in prosecuting these offenders, ending sexual abuse, and violence in our schools,” Poa said.

Victim-survivors can send an email to [email protected] or call 8633-1942; 8635-9817 and 09959218461 that will remain open even after working hours.

Poa promised the victims that the content of their reports and their personal information would be "handled with utmost confidentiality."

In connection with this, Poa urged additional claimed victims of sexual harassment to come forward and provide an affidavit, statement, or other supporting documentation so that formal charges might be brought against the offenders.

Poa reaffirmed DepEd's commitment to bolstering its Child Protection Unit.