FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD): Gender-Based Violence Referral Mechanism CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY Respondent A also pointed out that there is a growing incidence of sexual abuse in teenage relationships. In these cases, the teenage girl belatedly realizes that she is already being violated. Abuse does not only happen inside the homes anymore but also in communities, workplaces, and schools. Respondent C shared that she also has a rising number of cases of teenage pregnancy where the pregnant girl is abandoned by her boyfriend who impregnated her. CHALLENGES/BARRIERS IN INVESTIGATING GBV Respondent C, who provides shelter for GBV victims, narrates that most parents clandestinely get their children from the center because they prefer extrajudicial measures to resolve their cases. In some cases, children also subsequently retract their statements because of the stress of the trial. Respondent C relates that psychological evaluation is really important for the well-being of the child. Respondent B shared that most of their clients also have difficulty reporting abuse because of their mental health state. Most GBV victims are also clueless as to what to do and where they could seek help for their problems. The teenagers usually cannot go to their families for fear of getting scolded. Although Oro Youth has started initial steps to address the mental health issues among the youth through Project Amigo, Oro Youth admits that they are yet to test the project at the grassroots level. Some young GBV victims are also scared to report the abuse due to trust and confidentiality issues; most teenagers fear that their experiences will reach their parents. Oro Youth have also encountered cases of pregnant teenage girls who have resorted to abortion, due to abandonment and embarrasment. Respondent C related that they have conducted a research before and based on their study, 1,439 street children would prefer abortion when they get pregnant. Even the boys who impregnated these young girls would suggest abortion. During the interview, it was discovered that these children know how to facilitate the abortions themselves just by drinking some medications. Respondent B also shared that it also becomes a problem when the out-of-school youth (OSY) themselves refuse the services provided by the government. An example is when Oro Youth implemented a project where the OSY can still attend classes provided once a week which will enable them to still go to their respective jobs. However, most OSY themselves lost interest in attending the said classes. Case Management ENTRY POINT The barangay is always the entry point. However, most victims are still truthfully unaware where to go. Respondent C however shared that Brgy. Canitoan has an impressive referral mechanism and a quick response team when it comes to GBV. Page 15 of 16