FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD): Gender-Based Violence Referral Mechanism CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY The city government provides the necessary assistance for GBV survivors such as shelter or financial assistance. However, challenges were noted in the delivery of the said services, such as the lack of a center for women and the delay and limit of financial assistance that could be provided to the victims. Documentation All of the offices affirmed that they have standard forms for GBV complaints, which are retained for 10 years. Captain Baldado stated that they have a separate filing system for VAWC-related blotters. Kagawad Daano also shared that they have VAWC-related monthly reports to be submitted to DILG and DSWD. Access to the said data is limited to the VAWC focal person at the barangay level but admitted that they have no protocol as to the release of the data. CSWD shared that they can only release numerical figures to the public but any request for more specific data would require approval of the higher-ups. Recommendations Ms. Leonen shared that legal and professional assistance must be improved. She highlighted that governments should look into the hiring of psychologists and commented that the salary grade should be commensurate to the qualifications and the workload to entice psychologists to join the workforce. Capt. Baldado agreed with Ms. Leonen and remarked that counselling will play a vital role not only between the couple but also for the children especially that violence greatly affects the mindset and behavior of the children. He remarked that counselling would help prevent the violent cycle. Noting that RA 9262 prohibits mediation, Ms. Silvosa commented that a dialogue is really necessary at the barangay level because most of the time, women-victims do not want to pursue a criminal case against their husbands or partners. Their only purpose for reporting the abuse is for their husbands or partners to be aware that there is a law prohibiting their violent behavior. Accordingly, most women, more often than not, opt to save their marriage or relationships. Ms. Leonen commented that the goals and limitations of these dialogues should be defined by a law or policy. Science would support that there is low likelihood that marriages or relationships marred by violence would still survive because the battery already indicates incompatibility. She remarked that educational drives should be intensified and suggested that information campaigns should also show the effects of tolerating violence. She noted that the mentality of some women who tolerate violence is dangerous because mindset is very difficult to reform. The discussion was concluded at around 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Page 12 of 16