Marie (not her real name), 23, was a rape survivor and was admitted at the Haven for Women, a center managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in 2014. She was 19 years old and in first year college then. Court hearing on her case is ongoing.

She confided that she has been receiving death threats since her family filed the case against the perpetrator two years ago. Thus, her family decided to bring her to the Haven to ensure her safety.

At the Haven, Marie narrated that she feels safe and secure, confident that the perpetrator can never get near her ever again.

This sense of security, which is essential towards the complete healing of women-survivors of abuse, is what the Haven for Women provides.

The Haven provides temporary shelter and protective custody to women 18-59 years old who are victims of various forms of abuse.

​Through the different programs and services, the women-residents are helped to cope with their trauma and eventually lead dignified lives.

​Programs and services include home life services, (temporary shelter?) counseling, socio-cultural and recreational program, spiritual enhancement, leadership and skills training, medical and dental services, vocational training and livelihood productivity program.

Social workers from the center also escort  women during court hearings in the absence of social workers from the local government units (LGUs).

Likewise, they coordinate the provision of after care services and community-based support services with the LGUs once the women are discharged from the centers and are re-integrated with their families and communities.

Less trauma

Now more than a year at the Haven, Marie is slowly getting back to her old self.

“Mas naging friendly na po ako, marami akong nakilalang bagong kaibigan (I became friendlier and met several new friends),” she said,

​”Nakatulong po sila na makalimot ako kahit paano sa nangyari sa akin (They made me forget the ordeal that I went through),” she added.

She fondly recalled her participation to a fashion show last year during the anniversary celebration of Haven for Women as her most memorable experience.

​She also enjoyed the livelihood skills training on cosmetology, cooking, sewing, and rag making.

Ibinebenta namin ang mga basahan sa halagang P5.50 kada piraso para magkaroon din ng kaunting kita (We sell the rags at P5.50 each and earn some money),” Marie said.

She considers the social workers and house parents as her friends and mentors,facilitating her healing process.

“Tinutulungan ako ng mga social workers dito, sila ang nag-aasikaso ng mga papeles ko para sa aking kaso  (The social workers here help me, they facilitate the processing of documents for my case),” Marie shared.

When her case is resolved and she leaves the center, she plans to continue her studies and finish  a degree in Business Administration.

Nanay Paz, at 59 years old, is the oldest resident in the center. She was a victim of domestic violence, beaten up by her husband resulting to her disability.

Unable to walk, Nanay Paz maneuvers her wheelchair with the help of the staff to get around the compound.

She narrated that she has been a resident of Haven since 2008 because her own family is unable to take care of her.

Nanay Paz related, “Malaking bagay sa akin na napunta ako dito kasi wala na akong mapuntahan  at ayaw akong tanggapin ng pamilya ko (It is a huge relief that I was accepted here, since I have no place to go with my family refusing to take me).”

Hindi ko din naman sila masisi kasi may mga pamilya din sila at ayoko na ding makadagdag pa sa mga alalahanin nila (I cannot blame them because they have families too, and I don’t want to add to their concerns), “she tearfully added.

Like Marie, Nanay Paz noted improvement in her outlook on life​ ​since coming to Haven​ and going through a series ofcounselling.

“Palamura ako dati pero nang mapunta ako dito sa Haven, nawala ang galit sa puso ko (I used to curse a lot, but when I came here to Haven, the anger in my heart slowly melted away,”),”she narrated.

Nanay Paz is grateful for the loving care provided by the center staff.

“Binibigay nila lahat ng pangangailangan namin, sila na ang itinuturing kong pamilya (They provide all our needs, I consider them my family),” she stated.

When she turns 60, Nanay Paz will have to be transferred to a DSWD facility for older persons.

​Her only wish is to be reunited with her son, who is currently in second year college, and staying with her brother.

“Sana, pag nakatapos na ang anak ko, kunin na niya ako upang magkasama na kaming mag-ina (I hope that when he graduates, my son will get me so we can be together),” she ended wistfully.

Another resident, Vina (not her real name), 19, from Agusan del Sur, is a victim of trafficking ​and was ​lured into prostitution.

She was rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and brought to Haven in October 2015.

Vina related that her attitude changed since then.

“Marami akong naging kaibigan dito. Natuto akong makisama at magpakumbaba. Masaya po ako dito (I have several friends here. I learned how to get along with others and be humble. I am happy here),” she said.

“Napagtanto ko po na puwede naman akong kumita sa marangal na paraan, na hindi kinakalakal ang aking sarili (I realized that I could earn through decent means without selling myself),” she emphasized.

At Haven, Vina learned to cook and also took lessons in cosmetology, which she said could help her earn a living once she is reintegrated with her family.

“Balak ko pong bumalik sa aking pamilya at ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral ng high school dahil graduate lang ako ng elementary (I plan to return to my family and continue my studies in high school.  I am only an elementary graduate),” she stated.

Patience

Maria Cielo G. Agotilla, Supervising Social Worker at the Haven, said that helping abused women poses several challenges.

“You need tons of patience and understanding. At the moment, we have one case who is suicidal, hence, we have to be very careful in dealing with her,” she explained.

Because of their commitment to the residents of Haven, there are times when the social workers stay in the center 24/7.

Cielo who is married and has a two year-old daughter, is grateful  for her family’s support and understanding since she works long hours at the center.

​Currently, the Haven has 100 residents, with victims of trafficking topping the list.

The center also lacks computers and internet connection which hampers faster communication. They are coordinating with TESDA and some NGOs which assist the center.

“Some of the cottages also need repair, hence, we are grateful to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) which is repairing some of the facilities” Cielo added.

Despite limited resources, the staff of Haven remains committed and dedicated to helping the residents regain normal lives.

During their culminating activity in celebration of Women’s Month held recently, Cielo encouraged the residents to empower themselves.

“Sana sa pananatili ninyo dito sa center ay mayroon kayong mga natutunan na makakatulong sa inyong makapagsimula muli pag-alis ninyo dito (I hope that during your stay here at the center, you have learned things which could help you start anew once you leave), “she stated.

Efforts

Aside from the Haven for Women in the National Capital Region, the DSWD manages 21 other residential care facilities for disadvantaged women and girls in Regions I, II, III, IVA, VI, VII, VIII, and XI; Marillac Hills, also known as National Training School for Girls in NCR; and Group Home for Girls located in Regions I-XII.

“Aming pinagsisikapang mas lalo pang pagbutihin at palawakin ang mga programa at serbisyo para sa mga kababaihang nangangailangan ng tulong (We are strengthening our efforts to improve and expand our programs and services for women who need assistance),” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano- Soliman stated.

Sec. Soliman added that much remains to be done to strengthen the capacity of women to help and improve themselves.

“I believe that with the joint efforts of different sectors, we can achieve this goal,” Sec. Soliman underscored.

The DSWD urges the public to be vigilant in reporting incidents of abuse against women and children. At the community level, these may be reported to the Barangay Council on the Protection of Women and Children  and the Local Social Welfare Development Offices (LSWDOs) of cities and municipalities nationwide.

The Philippine National Police also maintains Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) where victims of abuse may file complaints. ###