The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Crisis Intervention Unit conducted a home visit in the City of San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) in Bulacan on Saturday to assess the condition of a person with autism who was physically abused on a public utility bus. A social worker from the City Social Welfare and Development Office of SJDM assisted the victim, who underwent a medical checkup, according to a news release on Sunday.
Following the instructions of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the DSWD coordinated with the local government unit (LGU) of SJDM to explore additional interventions for the victim and their family. “We are looking into the possibility of referring the victim’s family for psychosocial support under the Wireless Mental Health and Psychosocial Support or WiSupport program and the provision of financial assistance,” stated DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao.
The WiSupport program offers holistic services to clients in crisis, particularly those experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Dumlao emphasized that the DSWD will prioritize the victim’s therapy, which had been interrupted due to financial constraints.
“During the home visitation, we also found out that the main source of his family’s livelihood is selling corn. This is not enough to support the victim’s therapy. We are now facilitating referral services to medical institutions or partner service providers to help the victim continue his sessions,” Dumlao added.
Additionally, the DSWD will explore ways to assist the family in filing a criminal case related to the abuse. The DSWD and the LGU will continue to provide various forms of intervention to the victim and their family based on further assessments to ensure their complete recovery from this unfortunate incident.
