23 their cases through. Hence, firm guidance and support of CSOs and government service providers is critical to the recovery of GBV victims. Case management among responsible agencies is not always streamlined in many regions. Majority of cases are informally settled at the barangay level with complaints regarding officials who lack the capacity to attend to cases of GBV. There are still barangays without VAW desks, and some, although not all service providers have shared the absence of uniform standards in documenting GBV. Other agencies such as the PNP, PAO, and DSWD lack resources to fulfill their responsibilities in terms of updated capacity building on related topics on WHR and GBV, necessary infrastructure, and concrete guidelines in GBV management. Logistical costs for pursuing cases are unaffordable to many GBV victims and service providers are not always able to help, leading to premature case withdrawals. A detailed set of guidelines on staff capacity building, GAD budget allocation for GBV response, and checklists of essential services for GBV affected persons, would guide agencies thoroughly through GBV policy implementation. Provision for sign and local language interpreters, even for on-call services, is necessary for inclusive access to GBV services. Non-negotiable and free of charge services should include referrals to gender knowledgeable medico-legal examiners, psychologists, investigators, and lawyers. Steps to make gender-friendly spaces in GBV service establishments need not be expensive and are also necessary for a welcoming environment for GBV victims. Regular capacity building for all GBV responders on survivor centered approaches to case management, gender sensitivity in handling cases, and policy implementation, would impact the efficiency of serving justice. Widespread education among all communities on human rights and GBV, as well as empowerment trainings focused on livelihood and household management would also help prevent incidents of violence. Furthermore, a standardized monitoring system across all regions is essential in producing information on the state of GBV in the country, its gaps in service provision, and possible solutions. Local documentation should have standard questionnaires that would have information necessary for legal use, as well as a thorough needs assessment which DSWD, CSOs and other agencies may refer to. Investigators or whoever extracts information from GBV victims should be well-trained in gender sensitivity. If organized and filed systematically, gathered information may aid in furthering access to justice and used as basis for policy updating and implementation. V. Annex ANNEX 1. Recommendations on Strengthening GBV Response According to FGDs Categorized by Region