1

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Violence against women is recognized as a global problem that has a serious

effect on women’s health. It has consequences for both the physical and psychological

condition of the victim. It is a traumatic series of violence that is influenced by complex

social, cultural, and psychological factors (Ghani, 2014). Traditionally, this type of

violence is referred to as domestic violence often occurring between husband and wife or

in non-married partners. However, numerous studies across the globe found out and

confirmed that the violence against women has expanded outside the domestic dwelling

of husband and wife, which may happen to any woman who engaged in an intimate

relationship. It has been identified as occurring problems in all levels of society

regardless of religions, ethnicities, cultures, ages, and economic status (Geneva, 2014).

This type of violence has gained recognition in the international community as

global public health and human rights problems. (Guedes, Bott, Garcia-Moreno &

Colombini, 2016). It is increasingly recognized as a public health issue because of the

expanding evidence base and growth of research documenting the magnitude and health

effects of violence against women. In fact, the United Nation Human Rights (UN)

Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women provide for the concept of

due diligence obligation of States. Under this obligation, States have a duty to take

positive action to prevent and protect women from violence, punish perpetrators of

violent acts and compensate victims of violence. The principle of due diligence is crucial
 2

as it provides the missing link between human rights obligations and acts of private

persons.

This statement points out that violence against women is a result of gender

inequality that is recognizing that women are not exposed to violence by accident, or

because of an in-born vulnerability. Instead, violence is the result of structural, deep-

rooted discrimination which the state has an obligation to address. Preventing and

addressing gender-based violence against women is therefore not a charitable act. It is a

legal and moral obligation requiring legislative, administrative and institutional measures

and reforms and the eradication of gender stereotypes which perpetuate gender-based

violence against women and underpin the structural inequality of women with men.

Since the year 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that

violence against women is a top health priority (Fourozan, Dejman, Baradaran-Eftekhari,

& Bagheri-Yazdi, 2007; Hammoury, Khawaja, Mahfoud, Afifi, & Madi, 2009). This is

due to the estimated cases of nearly 35 percent of women worldwide, or about 1 in 3

women have experienced either intimate partner violence (physical and/or sexual

violence by an intimate partner) or non-partner sexual violence or both in their lifetime.

Globally, 38 percent of murder victims were women committed by their intimate partners

(UN Women, 2019; WHO, 2019; World Bank, 2019).

In the Philippines, the violence against women (VAW) is an epidemic case where

it affects not only women but also their communities. There are implemented laws to

protect women’s rights and prevention of violence against women. The government has

built campaigns and programs to strengthen their call of action for this phenomenon. But

despite of this, Philippines is one of the countries that have the most number of cases of
 3

violence against women (Michael J.H., 2002). Violence against women is increasing

quickly that takes a big effect not only to women themselves, family, and household but

also to the economy and productivity of the region and society. There are contributing

factors on the occurrence of violence against women anywhere that can be observed in

everyday life. In the Filipino family context, men are superior over women. Inequalities

between men and women go across public and private phases of life including social,

economic, cultural and political rights and are manifested in restrictions and limitations

on women’s freedom, choices and opportunities.

Hence, the Philippine government recognized the rights and importance of

women in the country. Several legal guidelines were enacted to protect Filipino women,

together with the Republic Act No. 9710 known as Magna Carta of Women, and the

Republic Act 9262 which acknowledge the values of all women and children, and

guarantees full respect and protect their rights. The country also recognizes the need to

protect the family and its members, particularly women and children, from violence and

threats to their personal safety and security. Under the RA 9262 the violence against

women broadened its definition to include all forms of abuse, such as physical,

psychological, and economic abuses. It also made this violence as a public crime and

made it possible for anyone and not just the victim to file a case against a perpetrator.

There are contributing factors to the occurrence of violence against women

anywhere that can be observed in everyday life. In the Filipino family context, men are

superior to women. According to the data from the Philippine National Police, the

perpetrators of violence against women are commonly intimate male partners. Cross-

cultural studies have cited that male control of wealth and decision-making within the
 4

family and marital conflicts are strong predictors of abuse (Bernarte, Acedegbega,

Fadera, & Yopyop, 2018).

The research confirmed the growing magnitude of such violence in the past

decade, but the gaps in the data remain. Victims of violence are hesitant to report any

abuses because of stigmatization or societal condemnation. Thus, their issue becomes

compounded by the fact that the victims and their perpetrators have relationship in any

manner of their lives (García-Moreno

et al., 2005; Pinheiro, 2006). The study of Najarila (2017) came up with the

generalization that although the intentions are meant to secure the Filipino women against

violence in general, the law fails to address the basic issues faced by the indigenous

women. Furthermore, the study disclosed that Filipino women understand their rights

covered under the law. However, most of the VAW victims disregard their rights because

of their families, particularly their children. They choose to remain inside their dwelling

and stay with their abusive husbands or partners due to their Filipino concept of a

conservative family.

Despite large numbers of studies conducted around the globe focusing on

violence against women, knowledge about abused women's experiences remains scarce.

Thus, this study intended to explore the lived experiences of abuse women. The study

also identified the possible consequences of their experiences, which have might an

adverse effect on the victims and their children, families, friends, and society.

Theoretical Framework
 5

This study is anchored on three theories: Learned Helplessness Theory by Lenore

Walker (1983), Radical Feminism Theory by Claire M. Renzetti (2009), and

Psychoanalytic Feminism Theory by Juliet Mitchell (2000).

The Learned Helplessness Theory by Lenore Walker (1983) was developed as a

feminist explanation to help women understand the dynamics and impact of domestic

assault. The theory that has become widely is now widely accepted as reductionist and

misuse pertains to the rational social, economic, and cultural choices of women which

may lead their decision to remain in a relationship. Accordingly, there are various reasons

why they prefer to stay in a relationship such as fear, retaliation, escalated violence, need

for financial support, lack of social, family, and community support networks, and other

aspects of risk assessment and management of survival (Seligman, 1984). Moreover,

perpetrators used the psychological effects of victimization, and the oppressor to force

and control their women. This theory follows from a perception of little or no control

over aversive events. Women should be more likely to exhibit learned helpless behaviors.

It has been reported repeatedly that men tend to attribute their successes to internal stable

causes and their failures to external or unstable causes. Learned helplessness theory,

women tend to reverse this pattern, taking personal responsibility for their failures, but

not for their successes (McHugh & Valle, 1978).

Radical Feminism Theory by Claire M. Renzetti (2009) claims women's

oppression originates in sexuality. They argue women's bodies are controlled through

violence, objectification, and social institutions such as medicine and religion. Radical

feminists see sexism as the oldest and most pervasive form of oppression; they argue that

the eradication of patriarchy and compulsory heterosexuality are keys to ending gender
 6

oppression. Radical feminism can be accomplished by increasing women's control over

their bodies, including transforming sexuality, childbirth, and motherhood.

Psychoanalytic Feminism Theory by Juliet Mitchell (2000) applies Freudian

theories to gender inequality. It seeks to correct the male bias in psychoanalytic theory,

producing theories that explore women's experiences with their emotions, bodies, and

sexuality. Theories argue early childhood experiences shape women's psyches and create

differences between men and women. They argue the phallus, a symbol of male power,

dominates Western culture. Solutions call for an androgynous society, possibly created

through dual parenting. Psychological feminism points to observable differences in the

moral mentality of men and women but observes that these are disguised by the tendency

for masculine ways of thinking to be represented as the rational norm (Williams, 2016).

In general, these theories are the lens in this study as they provide theoretical

basis that support the need for the participants for encountering varied domestic violence,

enduring the pain for family’s sake, and asserting self-worth as victims of domestic

violence.

Conceptual Framework

Violence against women has been identified and recognized a long-standing

problem across the globe. The UN recognizes it as international issue that needs to be

addressed by different countries. It an incident of violence or abused between two

persons are engaged in an intimate relationship. It can also be committed between

members of the family. In general, it is an abuse of power with the intent to control and

dominate one person by another through one or various forms of violence (Jahromi,
 7

Jamali, Koshkaki, & Javadpour, 2016; DeKeseredy, & Ellis, 2017). In the Philippines,

the context of violence against women in the study is anchored in the Republic Act 9262,

where the definition of violence and abuses are identified and defined. The law included

all types of violence and abuses as a public crime in which anyone not only the victims

can file charges against the offender.

Encountering Varied Domestic Violence. Women encounter various type of

domestic violence depending on their situation and partner. Some have unfortunate

relationships with the wrong persons. Physical abuse is the most common type of

violence experienced by Filipino women followed by the psychological or emotional, and

the least is the economic abuse. Based on the reported cases in the Philippines National

Police. The economic abuse is the result of the failure or unable to sustain by husbands or

partners to provide the basic survival needs of their families. According to the previous

researches, this occurs when one or both of them have vices, such as alcoholism,

gambling and others (Albirthen, 2006; Lee, Poomeroy, & Bohman, 2007).

Enduring the pain for Family’s Sake. Filipino women first uphold the value of

family and marriage over personal desires or interests. Thus, these women are willing to

keep domestic violence within the confines of their homes than to jeopardize the

reputation of their family, particularly the children (Superable, 2017). Filipinos are

known for their conservative views. For them, family is everything. The mothers'

sacrifices are worthy as long as the family is intact and preserve their reputation as one

family. Previous studies confirmed that women prefer to stay home not because of their

love toward their husbands or partners, but mainly because of the children's welfare.

They fear the social stigma which will demean their children's reputation and future
 8

(Baldi, 2018; DeKeseredy, & Ellis, 2017; Khan, Ashraf Khan, Daniyal, & Basit, 2019;

Superable, 2017). The value of family and self is the result of women understands of their

purpose and obligation. Nevertheless, their insights towards their experiences may vary

due to their strong attachment and trauma against their abusive partners (Jahromi, Jamali,

Koshkaki, & Javadpour, 2016). However, this may only happen when female victims find

and feel the support from other persons or agencies. Knowing their rights is not enough to

untie the relationship, but having a support system will boost their desire to fight for their

rights (Anderberg, Rainer, Wadsworth, & Wilson, 2016; Leung, Miedema, Warner,

Homan, & Fulu, 2019). The support system may vary depending on their situation and

the people around them. This may come from their families, friends, neighbors, and even

the criminal justice or the government where they belong.

Asserting self-worth. Self-worth is determined mostly by self-evaluated abilities

and performance in one or more activities that it deemed valuable. It cannot change the

past, nor the biology but it can certainly make sense of it and understand why it feels the

way it has to be. But more importantly, it can change societal expectations that have been

internalized, so that it can let go of self-defeating beliefs and patterns of behaviors. In

society there is a perspective tendency to equate accomplishment with human value – put

simply, individuals are thought to be only as worthy as their achievements. The self-

worth model emphasizes feelings of worthlessness that arise from the disclosure of

incompetency. The four main elements of this model are ability, effort, performance, and

self-worth. In this model ability represents one’s self-perception of ability. This model is

directed graph in which ability, performance and effort are linked to self-worth, ability,

and effort is also linked to performance (Roberts, 2014). The basic assumption of the
 9

self-worth model is that multiple factors influence one’s sense of self- worth. Its

fundamental premise is that “one’s sense of worth depends heavily on one’s

accomplishments (Sigal, 2004). This implies that unless a person is, or can become

successful at some valued activity, a person be cut off from a major source of self-

esteem. However, the fact that performance is not the only path to self-worth implies that

self-worth might also be derived from one’s perception of their abilities or through the

efforts of hard work. The absence of behavior docility, passivity, and listlessness is surely

just as motivated as is a lively abundance of behavior. According to the self-worth

analysis, the reluctant learner who may refuse to study is already motivated, driven by

circumstances to protect one’s self-esteem. (Gould, 2014).

Figure I shows the Conceptual Presentation of the Study.

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Encountering
Varied
Domestic
Violence

Violence Against
Women: A
Phenomenological
Study

Enduring
the pain for Asserting
Family’s Self-worth
Sake

Figure 1. Conceptual Presentation

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Objective of the Study

This study explored the lived experiences of women as victims of domestic

violence.
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Chapter 2

METHODS

Research Design

The study used the qualitative approach using the phenomenological design.

Moustakas' transcendental phenomenology was used in analyzing the data to come up

with meaningful themes following the This approach focuses on the wholeness of

experiences and search for the essence of experience, and it attempts to eliminate

everything that represents a prejudgment or presupposition. It requires looking at things

openly, undisturbed by the habits of the natural world. The researcher forces the

challenge to describe things as they are, to understand meanings and essences in the

lights of intuition and self-reflection (Simon & Goes, 2011; Moustakas, 1994). This

research design was considered in exploring and the accounts abused women in Iligan

City.

Research Setting

This study was conducted in Iligan City. One of the first-class and urbanized city

in northern Mindanao, Philippines. The city is geographically located within the province

of Lanao del Norte but administered independently from the province. Based on the

2015 census in Iligan City, it has a population of 342,618 people. It is geographically

within the province of Lanao del Norte but administered independently from the

province.

Participants of the Study

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This study were participated by seven women who had previous experiences of

domestic violence with their partners. Snowball method was used in identifying the

participants and only those who met the following criteria were selected. 1) women who

had experiences of domestic violence within the last three years from the date of the

gathering of data; 2) women who have child/children under her custody, and, 3) they

expressed the willingness to participate in the study by giving their full consent.

Instrument

The study utilized researcher-made interview guide questions in uncovering of

victims of domestic violence victims. The interview questions underwent a pilot but prior

to the actual gathering of data. This process ensured that the questions were suitable to

solicit relevant information to the participants. For better understanding, the interview

guide questions were translated into the vernacular language. This method guaranteed the

understandability of the questions and effective communication among the participants.

The questions consisted of an introduction, opening questions, core questions, and

closing questions. Since the study utilized the transcendental phenomenology approach,

the interview process used open-ended questions and narrative type of answers to solicit

exhaustively the experiences of women who were victims of domestic violence.

The interviews were recorded using in an audio recording device to capture the

essential data, provide an accurate, and detail account of the interview process. The

recorded data were transcribed and analyzed to identify the themes that emerged from the

responses of the participants’ responses.

Data Collection
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Before the actual interviews, I first secured permission from the Dean of the

Graduate School, for the conduct of the study. Upon the approval, I proceeded to the

identification of my potential informants. Prior to the actual interviews, all potential

participants were identified based on the inclusion criteria set for this study. In ensuring

the voluntary participation of all participants, they were required to sign the informed

consent forms. I guaranteed to protect their rights at all times by explaining to them that

if they felt any discomfort during the interviews; they had the right not to answer the

questions or they could withdraw their participation without any penalty. I ensured them

that I valued their participation, and their welfare was my highest priority during and

after the study. After obtaining their voluntary participation, I read the questions in a loud

and clear manner to them. I also entertained clarifications that are related to the interview

guide questions and the research process as a whole.

After explaining the ethical protocol, I arranged the place and schedule of each

interview. I gave the participants a copy of my interview questions to help them recall

their experiences. It was necessary to have a conducive atmosphere to interview with less

noise coming from the vehicles or people. During the conduct of the interviews, I was

mindful of the gestures and the words used to prevent distraction and uncomfortable

situations.

The collection of data was conducted several times as necessary to acquire vital

and relevant information. The use of face-to-face interviews through the process of semi-

structured, open-ended questions to explore the views, understanding, and even beliefs of

the participants in order to cultivate their lived experiences as women who were victims

of domestic violence. As cited by Gill, Stewart, Treasure, and Chadwick (2008), the
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semi-structured interviews comprise of key questions as guide in the conduct of

interviews.

The interview for every participant lasted approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Based

on the responses, questions were used altered to foster more detailed and thoughtful

answers. The researcher took notes at the interviews and made notes of the participant’s

behavior observed and added the memos to her journal. Moreover, a voice recorder was

used to ensure the details of what had transpired during the interviews.

Ethical Consideration

In the conduct of this qualitative research, certain measures were first cleared and

addressed, particularly the selection and the conduct of interviews with the participants. I

strictly observed the voluntary participation of all my participants. No interviews were

conducted without their full consent by allowing them to sign in the informed consent.

The researcher read the questions in a loud and clear manner in a vernacular language for

easy understanding. Their refusal to participate did not involve any penalty or loss of

benefits, and their signed consent did not mean waiving any legal claims, rights, or

remedies from this study. Confidentiality and privacy were strictly maintained throughout

the data collection process. No names or any identifying characteristics might jeopardize

their identities were used in any part of this research.

Data Analysis

The study utilized the Moustakas' steps of data analysis (1994) in analyzing the

meaningful themes that emerged from the participants' experiences. Thematic analysis is
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the process of identifying patterns to interpret the data. The first step observed was that

the researcher read and re-read the transcript to familiarize the data. The second step, the

generation of codes where data were organized in meaning and systematic way by

coding. Coding involved the reduction of data into smaller sections. The third step

consisted of searching for themes, and this captured the significant or interesting themes

that emerged from the participants’ statements. In the fourth step, the themes were

reviewed and developed based on the previous steps. The fifth step involved the defining

of the themes, which are the final refinement themes of the data analysis. A thematic map

was developed in this step. The last step involved the reporting of the output of the study.

Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

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This part presents the themes extracted from the transcripts of the interviews. The

transcripts were subjected to reduction, coding, and extraction of emerging themes prior

to the development of the final themes. The themes represented the meanings of their

experiences of women as victims of domestic violence.

The participants of this study were all victims of domestic violence. Participant 1

is twenty two years old, single (live-in) for two years, has one child and a victim of

economic abuse. Participant 2 is forty-seven years old, married for twenty years, and has

four children and a victim of psychological abuse for five years. Participant 3 is forty-

nine years old, married for twenty-three years, and has five five children, and a victim of

sexual abuse for four years. Participant 4 is thirty years old, married for three years, and

has two children, and a victim of physical violence. Participant 5 is twenty years old,

single (live-in) or two years, has one child, and a victim of psychological violence and

physical abuse. Participant 6 is twenty-seven years old, single (live-in) for four years and

a victim of sexual abuse and physical abuse. Participant 7 is thirty-two years old, married

for five years, and a victim of physical abuse.

There are three emerging themes based on the responses of the participants,

namely: 1) encountering varied domestic abuse, 2) enduring the pain for family’s sake,

and; 3) asserting self-worth.

Encountering Varied Domestic Abuse

Victims of domestic violence encountered various forms of abuses. It includes

physical, sexual violence, emotional or psychological abuse, and economic

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deprivation. Under the Republic Act No. 9262 known as Anti-Violence against Women

and their Children Act of 2004, there are four types of domestic violence, namely:

physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic abuse. Many of

these forms of domestic violence/abuse can be occurring at any one time within the same

intimate relationship.

This theme emerged from the unhappy experiences of the participants with their

husbands or partners. The women encountered various forms of domestic violence such

as economic abuse, psychological abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse. The following

are the sample statements given by the participants.

“I experienced an economic abuse. It’s been almost two years now since I
experienced this type of violence. He never changed. We always fight because he
cannot sustain the needs of our baby, like milk, vitamins, diaper, others. He has
no time for us, for his baby.” (P1)

Economic abuse has been defined as a deliberate pattern of control in which

individuals interfere with their partner’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic

resources (Postmus, Plummer, McMahon, Murshid, & Kim, 2012). Academics have

sought to categorize the different forms that economic abuse can take. Economic abuse

involves behavior that control, exploit, or sabotage an individual’s economic resources

including employment. Economic abuse and financial abuse are frequently used

interchangeably in the literature (Sharp, 2015). Alternatively, abuse may be described as

affecting the economic or financial security of women as victims of domestic violence or

causing economic or financial insecurity. The distinction between economic and financial

abuse is that financial abuse is part of economic abuse and involves similar behaviors.

However, financial abuse focuses specifically on individual money and finances and not

economic resources. It is important to note that much of the available literature describes
 19

a range of controlling behaviors or tactics which may keep women as victims of domestic

violence financially dependent and socially isolated in place of a definition. Some of the

tactics of economic abuse include reduced access to savings and assets (Braaf & Barrett

Meyering, 2010), deliberately causing housing insecurity by damaging property or not

making rent or mortgage payments (Valentine & Breckenridge, 2016), and malicious

interference with workforce and educational participation (Breckenridge, Walden, &

Flax, 2014).

“I have encountered psychological and physical violence or abuse. I’ve been

experiencing these types of violence since we were together, last two years ago.
For example every time I am at fault, he easily gets angry and he shouts at me.
Sometimes he treats me like an animal.” (P5)

“I encountered psychological violence. I have been experiencing this for more

than five years already. He says so many things against me and my family, it hurts
me so much. I am mentally and emotionally affected.” (P2)

Not all abusive relationships involve physical violence. Just because you’re not

battered and bruised doesn’t mean you’re not being abused. Many women suffer from

psychological or emotional abuse, which is no less destructive. Unfortunately, emotional

abuse is often minimized or overlooked even by the person experiencing it. Emotional

abuse includes verbal and non-verbal abuses, such as yelling, name-calling, and blaming,

shaming and other forms of degradation. In addition, emotional abuses can also be

classified as a form of intimidation, isolation, and any form of controlling behavior.

The scars of emotional abuse are very real and they run deep. One may think that

physical abuse is far worse than emotional abuse, since physical violence can send an

individual to a hospital and leave one with physical wounds. But emotional abuse can be
 20

just as damaging sometimes even worse. The following were cited by some of the

participants.

“I experienced physical violence. It’s been two years now since I

experienced this kind of violence. Maybe because of me, for nagging him,
I don’t know. I easily get mad whenever he comes home so drunk.” (P4)

“The type of violence I had is physical violence and I have been

experiencing this for about 3 years already. I experienced this with my
partner when he was under the influence of alcohol.”(P7)

“I encount
violence for about three years now. I could not give him what he wanted.
He would hit me.” (P6)
 21

“I have suffered from sexual abuse. I’ve been experiencing this for four years. He
does whatever he wanted to do with me even if I don’t want to. It’s like
almost every night he wants to have physical contact with me, even when
against my will.’’ (P3)

Physical abuse occurs when physical force is used against you in a way that

injures or endangers you. Physical assault or battering is a crime, whether it occurs inside

or outside of a family. The police have the power and authority to protect women from a

physical attack.
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On the other hand, forced any instance that a woman is to participate in an

unwanted, unsafe, or degrading sexual activity is sexual abuse. Forced sex, even by a

spouse or intimate partner with whom on has consensual sex, is an act of aggression and

domestic violence. Furthermore, women whose partners abuse them

physically and sexually are at a higher risk of being seriously injured or killed.

All of the participants have experienced different forms of domestic abuses.

Majority of them experienced physical abuses from their partners, followed by sexual and

the psychological abuses. The experiences of the participants confirmed the survey

indicating (Philippine Commission on Women). Physical sexual aggression as the

common forms of violence committed against women in the age of 15 to 49 (PSA, 2017;

PCW, 2014).

The findings were confirmed by the data conducted by the Philippine Statistics

Authority last 2017, which confirmed that one in four  or 26 percent ever-married women

ages 15-49 has experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence by their husbands or

partners. One in five, or (20 percent) women has experienced emotional violence; 14

percent has experienced physical violence, and 5 percent has experienced sexual violence

by their current or most recent husbands or partners (PSA, 2017; PCW, 2014).

Enduring the pain for Family’s Sake

This theme emerged from the claim of the abused women as to the reason why

they still stay or continue living with their abusive husbands or partners. Participants 2,

3, and 4 revealed their experiences with tears and sad voices. The following were the

statements given by the participants.

 23

“I’d still choose to stay with him because of the love and the commitment I
have for him, and the sake of our family. What is important to me now is to
save our family. I need to sacrifice and understand what he went through.
That is what I have realized.” (P2)

“I need to stay strong for the sake of my family. I want to be the best
mother of our children. I will never give up.” (P3)

“I want to stay because I don’t want to have a broken family. I will

continue staying with my husband no matter what happens.” (P 4)

For participants 1 and 6, they choose not to leave their husbands or partners

because these persons are the father of their children. They cited;

“I don’t know what to do with him I just talk to him after our quarrel. I try
to make him calm and help him realized realize what is the best for our
family, for our child. I need to stay with him despite everything because I
want him to be the father of my baby. I don’t want to have a broken
family.” (P1)

“I am still living with him because of our children. He is the father of our
children.” (P6)

Five out of seven participants shared that they enduring the pain for family’s sake,

especially for their children’s sake. The participants had something in common, which is

to save their families no matter what happens. They fear that their children may become

the center of demeaning behavior of other people. The social stigma attached to the

situation may jeopardize the security of children's future (Dodge, & Greene, 2020; Lupu,

2011; Superable, 2017).

Previous studies that majority of Asian people emphasized the important of

family reputation. This perception is linked to the most cultures in Asia that values the

family interest over personal interest (Estrellado & Loh, 2013; Jack, 2014; Deitz,

Williams, Rife, & Cantrell, 2015). Hence, the Filipino women are forced to keep in
 24

silence their experiences and chose to endure the pain from violence of their husband,

and to protect their children and family from stigma (Superable.2017).

Asserting Self-worth

Self-worth is steady and firm, and therefore, holds power to radically transform

your life for the better. This theme emerged from the unhappy experience of the

participants as victims of domestic violence with their husbands or partners or

perpetrators. Three out of seven participants realized their self-worth, a feeling of being

value. The following statements were expressed by the participants.

“During and after the act of violence was helping him to realize my worth to him
as a woman, as a mother of his children.” (P6)

“He didn’t deserve us for being so irresponsible father. My children need me

more than him.” (P7)
 25

“My realiz
just a phase of my life. I am not a quitter.” (P1)

A high degree of self-worth means feeling worthy of good things, deserving

of happiness, health, wealth, success, and love irrespective of the difficulties one faces,

the disappointments one experiences (Orth & Robins, 2014).

.
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Chapter 4

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The study aimed to understand the phenomenon of women who were victims of

domestic violence. The study was conducted in Iligan City. In the selection of

participants, the inclusion criteria were observed. There were seven participants

interviewed during the formulation of significant statements and the formulated

meanings. All of the participants were included in data saturation.

The study used a qualitative research using the phenomenological design. It

utilized Moustakas’ method of data analysis. The study was conducted from February to

March 2020.

Findings

Based on the phenomenological study conducted, three central themes were

identified: encountering varied domestic abuses, enduring the pain for family’s sake and

asserting self-worth. The participants experienced physical, sexual, psychological, and

economic domestic abuses. They were victimized by their husbands or partners at home.

Five out of seven participants shared that they enduring the pain for family’s sake

particularly for their children. Three out seven participants realized their self-worth, a

feeling of being value.

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Conclusion

Domestic violence in the Philippines is a serious problem, viewed as an abuse of

power within the family. This problem has long-lasting effects on the victims. These

women as victims experienced physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuses by

their husband or partners. Although there is no absolute or single reason for domestic

violence, it varies depending on the existing relationship and family situations. But for

the victims, keeping the family intact is more important than their own welfare or well-

being.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, it is highly recommended that

the women as victims of domestic violence be enlightened about the women’s

empowerment by knowing their rights, and speak out and report to the authorities in case

these rights are violated. Second, there should be constant information drives to the men

to join male groups promoting anti-violence against women efforts and participate in

discussions to broaden awareness on the advocacy. Third, there should be constant

monitoring on the case of marital violence in the barangay level through ensuring the

barangay VAW Desk is functional. Women can use the barangay VAW Desk Handbook

developed by Philippine Commission on Women or PCW and Department of Interior and

Local Government or DILG partner agencies to guide women what to do. Lastly, the

academe continually conducts research on the areas of violence against women,

particularly domestic and family violence to foster an environment that nurtures the
 28

minds and intellects of the people, and set-up a committee on decorum and investigation

where students and employees can seek help.

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Appendix A

INTERVIEW PROTOCOL

Introduction

 Introduces self.

 Discusses the purpose of the study.

 Provides informed consent.

 Provides structure of the interview (audio recording and taking notes).

 Asks if they have any questions.

 Tests audio recording equipment.

 Makes participant field comfortable.

Opening Questions

1. Ask about age, civil status, number of children, type of violence encountered.

2. How long have you been experiencing domestic violence?

Core Questions

1. What were the circumstances leading to the domestic violence you experienced?

2. What did you do during and after the act of domestic violence?

3. Why did you continue staying in the relationship?

4. How has the domestic violence affected you as a woman?

5. What are your realizations every after domestic violence?

Concluding Statement

 Thank the participant for the participation.

 Ask if she would like to see a copy of the results.

 Record any observations, feelings thoughts and/or reactions about the interview.
 32

Appendix B

INFORMED CONSENT OF THE STUDY

Thank you for you reading the information sheet about the interview sub-study. If you are happy
to participate, please complete and sign the form below. Please put initial to the boxes below to
confirm that you agree with each statement:

Initial box:
I confirm that I have read and understood the information sheet dated [2/02/2020] and
have had the opportunity to ask questions.

I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw at any

time without giving any reason and without there being any negative consequences. In
addition, should I not wish to answer any particular question or questions, I am free to
decline.

I understand that my responses will be kept strictly confidential. I understand that my

name will not be linked with the research materials, and will not be identified or will be
identifiable in the report or reports as result from the research.

I agree for this interview to be taped-recorded. I understand that the audio recording
made of this interview will be used only for analysis and that extracts from the
interview, from which I would not be personally identified, may be used in any
conference presentation, report or journal article developed as a result of the research.

I understand that no other use will be made of the recording without my written
permission, and that no one outside the research team will be allowed access to the
original recording.

I agree that my anonymity will be observed in the data to be kept for future research
purposes such as publications after the completion of the study.

I agree to take part in this interview.

__________________________ ________________ _____________________

Name of the Participant Date Signature

_________________________ ________________ ______________________

Interviewer Date Signature

To be counter-signed and dated electronically for telephone interviews or in the presence of the
participant for face - to- face interviews.
 33

Copies: Once this has been signed by all parties the participant should receive a copy of the
signed and dated participant consent form, and the entire information sheet. A copy of the signed
and dated consent form should be placed in the main project file which must be kept in a secret
location.

Appendix C

Vernacular Interview Transcripts

Participant 1 Participant 2 Participants 3 Participants 4

Akong na encounter Sa akong na Akong na encounter Ang sa ako-a na
sa akong partner kay enkwentro sulod sa sa akong bana encounter ani sa
economic abuse og bente ka tuig namo kabahin aning akung bana kay
kuan kanang
duha na ka tuig nako pagkaminyo, karon violence kay sexual
physical violence.
na experienced og lang ko ka abuse. Pait kaayo Naa sa mga two
wala gihapon siya ga experienced aning lage kay permi years naa
bag-o. Sige mi og psychological mamugos. Dili biya gakahitabo sa
away kay dili man violence. Bag-o lalim og dili nato amo. Ako lang gi-
siya makapalit og lang mga lima na kagustohan. Mga agwanta. Siguro
gatas sa iyang anak, ka tuig karon. Kung four years na ni tungod ni sa akong
pagkayawyawera
vitamins, diapers og kanus-a matigulang nahitabo sa ako.
or unsa ba kaha
unsa pa ng lagi moa pay igara Para sa akung labad man sa ulo
kinahanglanon para niya. Sakit na kayo pamilya mas pili-on huna-hunaon.
sa iyang anak. Sos, siya mang istorya nako makig unong Sobra naman pod
pati oras man lang as in sakit kaayo, sa akung bana walay adlaw dili
niya sa amo wala murag makabuang kaysa ma broken mahubog. Normal
gihapon or maski lagi nah. Sakit pod family mi. Dili ko raman siguro ning
masuko ta maong
nalang sa iyang anak, kaayo sa dughan mo give-up og
mag away mi.
hangak kayo iyang dili malikayan oi. gusto ko ako ang Kayanon nalang
style. Sa tinuod lang Kaya raman pod pinaka the best na nako ni para lang
wala nako kabalo nuon nako mo stay mama para sa dili mabongkag
unsa akung buhaton dugay na pod biya akong anak.. among pamilya.
sa iyaha kung-di ipa mi ga-uban na
kalma nalang nako panahon, dagko na
siya after sa away pod among anak.
namo og ako ipa Makaya-kaya ra
realize sa iya unsay ang sakit kay dili ko
best para sa iyang ganahan maguba
anak. Sa among among pamilya og
 34

pamilya na mo tindog akung commitment

siya as amahan sa sa akung bana
bata. Dili ko gusto og nagpabilin.
broken family. Dili ko
mo give-up.
Participant 5 Participant 6 Participant 7

Sa na encounter nako sa
akong partner kay
psychological abuse. Nag
sugod ni siya duha na ka
tuig ni labay sukad gaipon
mi. Pareha anang gamay
butang or sala, hala masuko
na dayon kaayo siya.
Maninghag diritso Maski
unsa nalang mga sakit
ipang istorya. Naa pay
usahay iyang pagtan-aw
nako kay mura oy iro or
unsa pa ng klaseha na
animals.
Akung na encounter na
violence sa akong partner is
sexual abuse. Kanang mga
butang na pugson ta
hilabtan sa dili nato
kagustohan. Mopadayon
gehapo ko og stay niya para
lang sa akung anak og
dapat magpaka-amahan.
Ipa realize pud nako sa iya
no unsa iyang worth sa ako.
CURRICULUM VITAE
35
Ang violence na encounter
kay physical abuse tungod
kay gasige nalang
pandapat, panakit,
manongulata labi na gyud
pag hubog. Dawbi permi
man hunog, tawon permi
nalang ta makulatahan.
Taod-taod na ni nako na
experience mga tulo na ka
tuig. Dili niya deserve
akung mga anak. Mas
kilangan ko sa among
mga anak kaysa sa iyaha.
Okay rako wala koy bana
basta naa sa ako akong
anak. Okay na kaayo.
 36

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Name : Jennifer Dadofalza Ejara

Birth Date : June 1, 1987

Address : Purok-1 San Pedro La Salle road, Pala-o Iligan City

Mother : Alma Dadofalza Ejara

Father : Wilfredo Rabago Ejara

EDUCATION

Graduate : Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ)

Misamis University, Ozamiz City
March 2020

Tertiary : Bachelor in Criminology

St. Michael’s College, Iligan City
March 2011

Secondary : Iligan City National High School

Iligan City
March 2004

Elementary : Iligan City East Central School

Iligan City
March 2000

PROFESSIONAL ELIGIBILITY: Licensed Criminologist

March 2011

WORK EXPERIENCES

2018 to Present : Faculty Member

St. Peter’s College
Iligan City
2013 – 2017 : Admin Officer V
 37

City Mayor’s Office

Iligan City Government

2012 – 2013 : Account Manager

Nimbus Technologies Inc.
Makati City

2011 – 2012 : Property Specialist

SMDC
Pasay City

TRAININGS/SEMINARS ATTENDED

 Certificate of Participation
Drugs and Terrorism
Iligan City

 Certificate of Achivement
Human Relations Training
DOLE Complex, North Ave.
Quezon City

 Candidate of Achievement
Peak Sales Performance
Mandaluyong City