FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION (FGD): Gender-Based Violence Referral Mechanism CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS IN REPORTING/INVESTIGATING GBV Capt. Baldado shared that most victims do not report their cases or if they even do report, they immediately withdraw their complaints. These usually happen when somebody advises the victim to take pity on the offender or the victim gets a threat. Kagawad Daano at this point also shared that there are also victims who refuse to give a statement at all despite being invited for counselling or interview because there is no proper venue at the barangay hall where their privacy is respected, thus the victim becomes hesitant to air her concerns. Ms. Leonen commented that the Mental Health Law mandates confidentiality and imposes penalties in case of violation of the law. She remarked that the barangays should be informed of this. Ms. Leonen also again raised the issue on requiring a psychological evaluation report in cases of sexual abuse against children as a problem that should be immediately addressed because such requirement only obstructs and delays the resolution of the case. She stated that the volume of cases cannot be immediately addressed considering that there are very few psychologists in the city. Ms. Silvosa also shared that the victims cannot also procure the services of a private practitioner due to financial problems. Despite the existence of a financial assistance program, the assistance that could also be given is limited and at times delayed, thus rendering any aid useless. She also added that a lack of a center for women is a difficulty because these women-victims would actually need a safe space. She shared that for the meantime, they refer cases to NGOs. Ms. Leonen agreed that there is a need for such center because a safe space is a necessary support for recovery. BEST PRACTICES Ms. Silvosa pointed out that the city government of CdO is commendable for the fact that there are VAWC desks around the city. She also stated that the performance incentives being given by the city government (such as recognition for the Most Outstanding VAWC Desk and Child-friendly Barangay Award) has encouraged excellent performance culture among the barangay units and police stations. Ms. Leonen also pointed out that these performance incentives also serve as monitoring tools for the city government. Capt. Baldado also highlighted that the PNP has been engaging in partnerships with non-government organizations (NGOs) in dealing with juvenile delinquents and young victims of violence. Ms. Silvosa added that the Livelihood Assistance could also be considered a good practice by the city government especially for women-victims of violence because the assistance empowers them to not tolerate abuse or violence. Case Management Ms. Silvosa remarked that the entry point for GBV cases is always at the level of the police and/or the barangay. Page 11 of 16