10 value of a woman to her lack of sexual experience. The case being so, Filipino women are expected to keep their virginity until they are married. Hence, the unexpected pregnancy of an unmarried woman is viewed as scandalous and marriage is one way for women to “save face.” As these young women take on their responsibilities as wives and mothers, they are often deprived of time and opportunities for their own economic stability. Financial dependence on their husbands becomes one major factor that keeps women in difficult relationships. Husbands may threaten to cease supporting their wives if they are not submissive enough for their taste. Husbands maintain control over their wives’ lives which include decisions concerning women’s bodies and their reproductive health. Indigenous women, farmers, and those who live in far flung areas with less access to basic needs and government information or services are more prone to abuse by their husbands or other figures of authority, often male. Many of victims of violence lack the education or awareness of their entitlements for human rights. Violence is commonly perceived to be limited to the physical act, being the most widely known form of violence. Despite this interpretation, there were many instances that physical violence is condoned and accepted by victims who felt helpless in their situations. At times, experiences of violence are rationalized as acceptable if preceded by trivial mistakes in relation to one’s domestic duties. Young wives or female partners among teen couples, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and those who are economically disadvantaged and uneducated, often fall prey to domestic abuse. Other forms of violence—verbal, psychological, mental, economic, and sexual forms— are slowly becoming recognized by women. This is evident in observations by service providers and community women who enumerated the most reported cases in their areas. However, many tend to forego seeking justice out of fear, stigma, and teh perceived and actual barriers that may arise from processes involved in seeking help. Perpetrators of violence are often aware of abused women’s predicaments and further threaten victims to contribute to their fear of seeking justice. Children and teens experience violence both at home and in public spaces. Incestuous rape is reportedly common in regions 2, 3, 4B, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, and NCR. Perpetrators are usually fathers or close male relatives of children. In region 10, this crime is particularly common in relocation sites. A municipal doctor from region 2 tells the story of a speechchallenged child. Local orphanage staff brought her for a consultation for suspected gastritis. Upon examination, the doctor found the child to be pregnant. She was raped by her father. Battery of children is reportedly common in regions 1, 4A, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, and CARAGA. In region 12, a child could be beaten for one afternoon of refusing to study. In several regions, children who are perceived to be non-gender conforming often suffer from physical violence on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE). Street children are most vulnerable to battery in region 1. There is also a rise in