13 There are notable GBV trends specific to different regions, though these do not exclusively happen within those regions alone. In region 2 for instance, service providers mentioned that cases of physicial injuries against LGBT persons have been increasing. There is also a rise in Filipinos unable to find decent paying jobs and ending up working overseas to support their families. Men who leave their families for work tend to commit adultery and stop sending their wives financial support. This is also a common form of violence mentioned in the region. Region 8 sees an increase in gang-perpetrated rape in North Tacloban. The City Police representative stated that criminal gangs befriend girls to gain their trust. Once targeted girls willingly spend time with the gang, they are raped. In region 9, there is a reported practice of statutory rape among some families. Cases of suicide have also increased in the region. In region 10, property disputes have burdened women who need to defend themselves against more aggressive male counterparts. There is also a rise in cases of abortion by women who are abandoned by their partners due to unexpected pregnancy. In addition, region 10, like region 4A, also sees an increase in cases of sexual harassment in bars and other public places. There is reportedly an overall lack of trust among women as regards availing of GBVrelated services, especially in regions 2, 3, 4A, 5, 9, 11, and 12. Apart from having to deal with trauma and stigma, government services remain slow in many areas of the Philippines. The barriers that survivors perceive/expect to encounter in accessing justice keep them from reporting or proceeding with their complaints. Service providers’ nonobservance of survivor centered approaches also impact survivor’s trust in the system. Funding is also a common problem. Most victims of GBV are unable to afford miscellaneous expenses necessary for processing complaints such as transportation. Local barangays may also lack funding for logistical operation in assisting GBV victims. According also to FGD participants, while some GBV mechanisms are established, some are not functional. Some were established merely for compliance with government requirements but failed to deliver the services needed by survivors. The padrino system is also common and survivors are faced with red tape when dealing with authorities. Come the need for investigations, they are not properly executed. In rape cases handled in regions 4A, 5, and 9, for example, some victims find the required evidence and witnesses to be difficult to provide. Instead of finding support, they end up feeling unnecessarily interrogated, and at times revictimized. Without access to good legal services, such victims are discouraged from proceeding further with their cases. Deaf women, as well as those who do not speak the same language as their service providers suffer more difficulty in seeking justice as processes are not accessible for them without the provision of sign language or local language interpreters. The same goes for those who are unable to read or write. General State of GBV Mechanisms and Services