Despite the prevailing practice of meddling with and eventually controlling women with disabilities’ exercise and enjoyment of sexuality and reproductive rights by husbands and family members, there were women with disabilities who claimed their autonomy, right to enter into intimate relationships and marriage, and found a family against the wishes of their family. One participant from Baguio conveyed the sentiments of women with disabilities, “Just because you are a PWD, kasla awan karbengam nga agayat. We are humans too.” (“Being a PWD does not mean you can’t fall in love. We are humans too.”) With regard to cases of GBV, it was documented across Inquiry sites that victim-survivors could not seek legal remedies whenever their families interfere. This happens particularly when one or more of their family members are the perpetrators. A girl with disability from Region VII was raped by her cousin, but the family did not file a case. A deaf woman, also from Region VII, claimed to have been verbally and physically abused by her siblings; she could not file a case because it would fire back on the family. A woman with disabilities from CAR was raped by a relative, but was settled through her parents despite her protests. Also, the CAR-DSWD did not pursue her case. Many cases of domestic violence involving women with disabilities in Region X were also reported, yet not a single case was pursued, due to either their husbands or their families begging them to withdraw the case. Many women with disabilities maintained that the pressure of keeping the family intact and prioritizing their children’s welfare deter them from seeking remedies for the violence and abuse they experienced. Meanwhile, with the help of organizations working for PWDs and with support from fellow PWDs, many women with disabilities surpass the violence and abuse they often experience from husbands and/or family members. A few women with disabilities were recognized as leaders in extending help. A woman with disabilities from Region VII has been relentlessly providing assistance to VAWC victim-survivors. Another woman-withdisabilities-leader from NCR always fights for the right of women with disabilities to participate in meaningful and productive activities—particularly those that enhance their awareness of PWD issues. Several women with disabilities who spoke during the inquiry are proud parents to successful children. 3.2.3. Persistence of previously identified gaps in the implementation of RPRH Law Several issues raised in the 2016 National Inquiry continued to hound women with disabilities, based on the findings of the Inquiry on the reproductive health and rights of women with disabilities. Section 3 of the Guiding Principles for the Implementation of the RPRH Law has distinguished the poor and the marginalized in the promotion and provision of RH information and programs. Yet, economic disadvantage remains to be a cross-cutting concern for Filipino women, including women with disabilities. 19