Survivor 24 S24 is from Sta. Maria, who has been living together with her live-in partner for 11 years. They have two children, an 8- and a 2-year old. Whenever her husband was under the influence of alcohol he got jealous. He slapped, boxed her in any part of her body, and shouted at her. Sometimes he threatened her to be cut-off from financial support. He constantly threatened her of being shamed before anyone. She often mentioned to her husband that he would leave him if he kept on beating her. They were always fighting and end up hurting each other. She thought of leaving her partner and report him again to the barangay. “Dalawang beses ako nag-layas sa bahay kasi ‘di ko kinaya pero nahahanap pa rin niya ako (I left the house twice because I could not stand [the situation] but he still looked for me).” “’Pag malaki na ang problema, ‘di ako nagdadalawang-isip na isumbong sa kanila kasi alam kong tinutulungan nila ako (When the problems is big, I do not twink twice to report to [police and barangay authorities] as I know they will help me)." S24 did not report earlier the incident. “Nagmamakaawa kasi siya sa akin (He asked for sympathy).” Asked if she would file a case against him for VAW being a woman, she answered, “Syempre po, kasi alam kong may rights akong isumbong siya sa mga ginagawa niya sa aking pambubugbog (Certainly, because I know I have rights to report him for what he has been doing in beating/mauling me).” Researchers’ Observations: S24 has been a physical violence survivor who, through time, survived as well the uncountable counts of psychological, emotional and verbal violence in between years. More than a decade of living together without the benefit of marriage, from S24’s responses, the children have been eyewitnesses to the couple’s frequent verbal arguments that had moments of her getting beaten or mauled, especially when her partner was under the influence of liquor. Analysis: S24 spoke of the incidents of violence inflicted upon her. She also knew of her rights as a woman. She was aware of her recourse should he abuse her again. Her responses also tell that he was just apologizing to her and they would be back again in each other’s arms. 54