e. Urban poor single mothers
The respondents believe that the existing discrimination experienced by these
groups of women made them more vulnerable to GBV.
Among them, lesbians have more difficulty in accessing justice because there is
less acceptance and the society is more dominated by the machismo thinking.
Moreover, lesbians are categorized as women and are physically weak.
• What are the specific challenges/barriers experienced by women and
girls in seeking legal remedies in cases of GBV? What are the added
challenges/barriers brought about by the ECQ and the GCQ/Normal?
The challenges and barriers women experience in seeking legal remedies in cases
of GBV are the following:
A. Establishing trust to duty bearers on the issues on GBV. Are they protected
from any form of discrimination in events that cases are forwarded to
authorities? As expressed, are these authorities capacitated enough to handle
delicate issues of women?
B. Knowing their rights as victims. Basic awareness of women when to
seek and claim justice when violated.
C. Financial difficulties in processing complains and in seeking legal
assistance
Added challenge:
D. Delays in seeking urgent and fast results to issues on GBV during the
pandemic since health protocols are to be observed and no woman would take
any chance and sacrifice during this health emergency.
• Can you cite a specific case during the ECQ period that highlight gaps
in the referral mechanisms?
One of the respondents shared that her minor daughter was a victim of rape. The
incident has been reported and a case is already filed in court. However, the victim and
her mother had difficulty monitoring the case because of quarantine restrictions. The
mother works as a laundry washer (labandera). Because of the strict protocols and the
issuance of quarantine passes, she is no longer earning as much as she used to. Because
of this financial incapacity, they are unable to visit the court for regular updates on the
case. They revealed that at this point, they do not know how the case will go or what