Maramag Focus Group Discussio on Gender Based Violence Referral Mechanism October 3, 2019 Maramag, Bukidnon The group was asked what is the common form of gender-based violence case based on their experience: The North Poblacion Barangay Women‟s Group said VAWC by physical abuse through beatings by their husbands. They usually offer counselling or referral to the MSWDO. The San Andres Parish Women‟s Advocates answered rape cases. They find it difficult right now to provide financial or livelihood assistance. The municipal councilor on her part said that the number of VAWC cases is not increasing because the women are already empowered. She added that there are NC2 certification level trainings for PWDs and they were provided with a „center‟ where they can offer massage service. The BNSHI Teen Center narrated: economic and physical abuse of teens by their guardians; peer pressure by other teens; teen pregnancy (specially related to alcohol drinking). The Maramag IPMR said that in indigenous areas, the problem is indigenous students skipping school. The Maramag Teen Center shared about the case of abuse by the BBB‟s stepfather. She also shared that she knows of cases of wives who wanted to access family planning services but were not „permitted‟ by their husbands. The group was then asked where do GBV victims go to complain or seek help: The North Poblacion Barangay Women‟s Group said victims usually go the barangay officials. The South Poblacion Barangay VAWC Desk on their part said that if they receive a complaint they refer this to the MSWDO, especially if a case will be filed in court. The Municipal Counselor shared that for cases of CICL or VAWC, they refer these cases to the Bahay Pag-Asa Center of the MSWDO for shelter. If the town cannot provide necessary counseling services then the case will be referred to the province. The Maramag Teen Center said they follow the referral system protocol of the Information Service Delivery Network (ISDN). The group also provides counseling and medical services for teens (aged 19 and below). The IPMR shared that in their area there is access to ambulance and even legal services. But the problem is when the parents of rape victims-survivors themselves are against the filing of cases in court against the perpetrator/s. Here, CHR-X Investigator Cajes asked whether indigenous culture violates women‟s rights and gave „duway’ (polygamy) as a specific example. To which the IPMR replied that ‘duway’ is meant to answer the need to establish a family (which he said is the main reason for indigenous marriages) in cases where the first wife cannot beget a child. The first wife is not violated because she understands this need to establish a family and it is her who chooses who becomes the second wife or if needed, the succeeding wives. Moreover, indigenous culture respects and protects rights of victimized women, he said that in the past - perpetrators of rape were even penalized with death. DOCUMENTATION The group was asked how they manage documentation and information in GBV cases as well as best practices: The South Poblacion VAWC Desk replied that they treat GBV case information confidential, case folders are locked in a separate cabinet and only the victim can request for access to the record. Page 12 of 13