GUIDELINES IN HANDLING WOMEN IN ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

I.

INTRODUCTION

Developmental processes have often neglected one of the most critical resources, the women as a result, women have been relegated to a lowly position in social structures thus, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse especially the poor who suffer most and these are categorized as women in especially difficult circumstances. Theses include women who are victims of involuntary prostitution, illegal recruitment, battering, rape, incest, armed conflict as well as those who are in detention but without formal charges filed against them. The rising incidence of women in especially difficult circumstance is a major development issue confronting both the developed and developing countries at present. Abuses and exploitation of women can happen to anybody, rich or poor, young and old, and it can happen anytime of the day, morning afternoon or evening.

The limitations, however, is the lack of hard facts or data covering the women in especially difficult circumstances. This is also indicative of the low level of awareness among government agencies and the public on the seriousness of the problem. This may be due to the hidden nature of the issues.

Corollary to the in availability of statistic, limitations are likewise noted, specifically this refers to the absence of Crisis Interventions Centers or Substitute Home Care to immediately provide temporary shelter and protect women victims from further harm/hazardous/high risk situations as well as other programs/social services for the care and rehabilitation of these women, both community and institution based.
It is in the context that the need to develop programs/services to respond to the needs, problems and aspirations of these victims to enable them to regain their psycho-social functioning and contribute/participate in national development effects. One of the unique features of the institution based programs was the launching of the Substitute Home Care for Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances or Bahay Tuluyan ng Kababaihan.

II. LEGAL BASE

The establishment of the center is in response to the mandate of the Department by virtue of EO 123, to promote womens welfare with specific attention to the prevention and eradication of exploitation any from including the promotion of skills for employment and self-actualization. The center likewise, is in fulfillment to provisions of international instruments, national laws and policies which seek to protect the rights of women

A.

INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
1.

CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOME (CEDAW)

- contains international accepted principles of international law which facilitate the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. The CEDAW further enunciates that Women have the right to be protected from all forms of trafficking and prostitution including sexual slavery. Women also have the right to be protected against all forms of exploitation.

2.

BEIJING PLATFORM OF ACTION

- The global agenda for women which taken cognizance and where commitments from different countries were enlisted to taken concrete actions for the pursuit of empowerment and advancement.

3.

PUTAJAYA DECLARATION ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN - Adopted by the members of the nonaligned movement, it recognizes that the issue on the advancement of women should be integrated into the mainstream programs and activities of Non- Aligned Movement (NAM) countries. It enlists concrete actions that would promote women empowerment development and peace.

B. NATIONAL LAWS
1.

REPUBLIC ACT 7192, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT AND NATION BUILDING ACT

- This is an act that promotes the integration of women as full and equal partners of men in development and nation building.
2.

REPUBLIC ACT 8505, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE RAPE VICTIM ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION ACT OF 1998 - an act providing assistance and protection for rape victims and establishing for the purpose a Rape Crisis Center. The law further defines the establishment of a rape crisis facility in every province and city, which will provide comprehensive services rape victims- survivors to facilitate their healing, recovery and social reintegration.

SECTION 16 LETTER B mandates the DSWD to implement rehabilitative and protective program for trafficked persons. It shall provide counseling and temporary shelter to trafficked persons and develop a system for accreditation among NGOs for purposes of establishing centers and programs for intervention in women levels of the community.
4.

REPUBLIC ACT 9262, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ANTI-VOILENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004 - an act that defines violence against women and their children, provides for protective measures to victims and prescribes penalties for its violations. SECTION 40 mandates the DSWD to provide temporary shelters, provide counseling, psychosocial service or recovery rehabilitative programs and livelihood assistance

C. NATIONAL POLICIES
1.

PHILIPPINES PLAN FOR GENDER DEVELOPMENT

- the Philippines governments 30 year perspective framework for pursuing full equality and development for women add men, in compliance with RA. No. 7192 (Women in Development and Nation Building Act) and the Constitutional provision on gender equality.

2. FRAMEWORK PLAN FOR WOMEN - The blueprint for the advancement of the Filipino women to be addressed by government agencies, the academe, civil society organizations and the private sector.
3. EXECUTIVE ORDER 15 SERIES OF 1998 AS
AMENDED BY EO 221 SECTION 3,POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

- mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development to implement residential care services for its target women victim-survivors who are in need of such services.

III. PROJECT BRIEF

There are two approaches under the Special Project for Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances namely:
1.

INSTITUTION BASED

The women are accommodated in facilities called Substitute Home Care for Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances or Bahay Tuluyan ng Kababihan. While at the home, appropriate services will be rendered based on needs.

2. COMMUNITY BASED

The women who need not be placed in Substitute Homes can be helped by social workers within their homes or in the community with appropriate services/interventions as needed.

IV. OBJECTIVES
GENERAL OBJECTIVE to enable women in especially difficult circumstances resolve their problems and be regaining their selfworth and dignity through provision of protective and rehabilitative services.

SPECIAL OBJECTIVES
1.

To provide a wide range of services for the protection and rehabilitation of women in especially difficult circumstances which geared towards reintegration into their families if indicated. To provide a temporary Substitute Home Care for Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances or Bahay Tuluyan ng Kababaihan to protect them from further harm/hazardous and high risk situation. To collaborate and coordinate with other GOs and NGOs in working with women in especially difficult circumstances e.g. courts, hospitals, entrepreneurs and others.

2.

3.

V. SERVICES TO WOMEN VICTIMS OF ABUSES Residential Care (For Substitute Home Care or Bahay Tuluyan ng Kababaihan)
1.1 Temporary Custody/Shelter This refers to the provision of accommodation to clients while they are at the center. 1.2 Food - This refers to the provision of low cost but nutritious meals to women while they are at the center home.

1.

1.3 Clothing and Personal Care Items This refers to the provision of basic clothing e.g. dress, duster, panties, and bra and other basic necessities like bath and laundry soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.

2. MEDICAL SERVICES
2.1 Physical Examination this refers to clients undergoing general physical examination to determine her health status as well as to rule out any communicable diseases. 2.2 Dental Check- Up This refers to the provision of thorough dental examination to clients. 2.3 STD Clearance

women victims undergo medical test to rule out any sexually transmitted diseases. In case client is affected with STD, referral for further treatment/hospitalization to appropriate hospital is made.

2.4 Psychiatric Evaluation This refers to administration of psychiatric tests/treatment to evaluate the state of mental health of clients when indicated.

3.
4.

Psychological Test
Material and Child Care Skills Development
4.1 Environmental Sanitation 4.2 Self Care of Women 4.3 Early Childhood Disorders, Growth Monitoring and Promotion and Immunization 4.4 Nutrition

5.

Self- Enhancement Skills Development

5.1 Ego- Building 5.2 Stress Reduction/Crisis Management 5.3 Sports Development 5.4 Values Development 5.5 Socialization 5.6 Revival of Cultural Tradition

6.
7.

Spiritual Enhancement/Renewal
Livelihood Skills Development
7.1 Practical Skills Development 7.2 Shelter Workshop/ Sub-Contract Jobs 7.3 Leadership and BMMSD 7.4 Job Counseling 7.5 Job Referral for Open-employment 7.6 Capital Assistance 7.7 Social Assistance

Social Communication Skills Development 9. Legal Services 10. Casework 11. Group Work 12. Community Participation Skills Development 13. Other Educational Services Transportation Services After Care Service.
8.