SEXUAL DRAWBACKS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF

SEXUALLY ABUSED WOMEN

A Thesis Proposal
Presented to the

College of Criminal Justice Education

Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria
Dumaguete City, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Science in Criminology

by

TIFFANY M. LIMBAGA
May 2024
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First and foremost, the researcher expresses profound thanks to herself

for her unwavering commitment and never-ending pursuit of knowledge for

this study. This recognition is the outcome of many hours, sacrifices, and

dedication. It serves as a constant reminder of her persistence and

unwavering dedication to continue her education.

The researcher would like to express her sincere thanks and gratitude

to Mr. Yushmad Canizares, RCrim, the researcher's thesis supervisor, whose

aid not only improved the study's quality, but also widened the scope of her

understanding.

Furthermore, the researcher extended her appreciation to the

participants of this study, whose willingness to share their experiences and

insights. Their contributions have been integral to the success of this

research.

And last but not least, the researcher expresses her gratitude to her

family for their unwavering support, love, and financial assistance, which

motivated her to persevere despite academic challenges.

TIFFANY M. LIMBAGA
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ABSTRACT
Title : SEXUALLY DRAW BACKS: A
PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SEXUALLY ABUSED
WOMEN

Researcher : Tiffany M. Limbaga

Degree : Bachelor of Science in Criminology

School : Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA)

Adviser : Yushmad Cañizares, R.Crim., Ph.D.
Date Completed : May 2024

The primary aim of this research was to delve into the phenomenology of
Sexually Abused Women. In particular, it was meant to describe the experiences of the
participants as Sexually Abused Women, as well as their coping strategies, and their
source of motivation.

The phenomenological design was used in this study to gather a unique aspect of the
participants lived experiences as Sexually Abused Women. There were ten Sexually
Abused Women as the participants of the study. They were selected based on the
purposive sampling as they were pre-determined to meet the qualifications set in this
study. Six participants participated in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and four more
took part for Individual Interview (IDI). The City of Tanjay, Negros Oriental were the
environment of this study. An informed consent form, a transmittal letter, and an
interview guide with validation served as the instrument. This study came up with four
themes which described as the experiences of Philippine Army Personnel, namely:
Women’s Difficult Capacity to Find Happiness Amidst Adversity, Opportunities and
Chances, The Thorn of Sadness, and Unforeseen Misery. On the description of the coping
strategies, two themes were generated as follows: Determination of Hard Work and
Reliance on Faith and God’s Grace. Lastly, for the source of motivation of Philippine
Army, two themes were drawn, namely: Prioritizing Family and Goals and Hopes.

This research involves delving into the subjective experiences of sexual

abuse, examining how they make sense of their past traumas and navigate their
present realities. By employing a phenomenological approach, researchers seek to
uncover the essence of these women’s experiences, capturing the nuances and
complexities of their journeys towards recovery and empowerment. Thus, the
Sexually Abused Women, CSWD, PNP, LGU, NGO, community, school, and
future researcher should take a proactive approach to enhance the lives of the
women victim of sexually abused. The accomplishment of these recommendations
might create a more supportive and fulfilling environment for its personnel,
enhancing their well being, awareness, resilience and motivation.
Keywords: A Phenomenological Study of Sexually Abused Women
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Title Page i
Approval Sheet ii
Acknowledgement iii
Abstract v
Table of Contents vi

CHAPTER

1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

INRODUCTION 1
Rationale 1
Theoretical Background 3
THE PROBLEM 51
Statement of the Problem 51
Significance of the Study 51
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 54
Research Design 54
Research Environment 55
Research Participants 56
Research Instruments 57
Research Procedures 57
Data Collection 58
Data Analysis 58
Bracketing and Reflexivity 60
Ethical Consideration 61
Trustworthiness 61
DEFINITION OF TERMS 64
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2. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA 65

Presentation of Data 65
Analysis of Data 66
3. SUMMARY, FINDINGS, AND IMPLICATIONS 87
Summary 87
Findings 89
Implications 90
REFERENCES 94
APPENDICES 91
A- Transmittal Letter 100
B- Informed Consent Form 101
C- Interview Guide with Validation 107
D- Location Map 109
E- Sample Transcription of Interview 110
F- Sample Line Number 112
G- Sample Coded Significant Statements 114
H- Sample Formulation of Core Meanings 116
I- Sample Development of Cluster Themes 118
J- Development of Emergent Themes 120
K- Diagram of Common Themes 122
CURRICULUM VITAE 123