Child victims of violent crimes in government shelters will now have access to financial compensation to support their recovery and reintegration under a new government initiative.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have signed an agreement establishing a referral system to enable child victims under the care of DSWD’s Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) to access monetary compensation through the DOJ’s Victim Compensation Program (VCP).

“Child victims of violent crimes often carry invisible scars that are very difficult to heal. One of the ways to show support for their recovery is by providing monetary compensation that can cover their various expenses for treatment, therapy, legal fees, education, and basic needs,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.

She noted that the new partnership with the DOJ, through its Bureau of Claims (BOC), “will be beneficial to jumpstart the recovery and reintegration of child victim-survivors.”

Under the memorandum of agreement, the DSWD will assist and refer eligible child victims in its facilities to the DOJ’s VCP, which provides monetary compensation to victims of violent crimes to help offset the harm suffered due to lawlessness and grave injustice.

The DOJ-BOC will evaluate and process claims endorsed by the DSWD and will refer to the DSWD cases falling outside the scope of Republic Act No. 7309, which created the Board of Claims for victims of unjust imprisonment or detention and violent crimes.

Covered under the agreement are child victims of rape, torture, enforced and involuntary disappearance, trafficking in persons, and online sexual abuse and exploitation, among others.

“The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognizes the urgency and necessity to assist child victims of violent crimes in their long-term healing and recovery,” Dumlao said.

Officials underscored that while legal and psychosocial interventions are crucial, providing financial support is a necessary step in helping child victims move forward and rebuild their lives.

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