New Database Additions  Short Summary Title Putting National Gender-based Violence Legislation into Practice in the Philippines (In English and Portuguese) Author Victa-Labajo, M. Publication Date April 2009 Publisher BRIDGE Summary Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major problem in the Philippines, with approximately 9 per cent of women aged 18 and above having experienced physical abuse, much of which happens in the home at the hands of a relative or partner. In response, new laws were passed, granting the state power to intervene in cases of household violence or abuse against women - previously considered 'private' and beyond the jurisdiction of the state. The power of the legislation has been realised through the manner of its innovative introduction - drawing on the potential of decentralised governance processes to bring about change, using existing local systems. Participatory processes were established for institutions from local government units to the barangay (village) level, recognising that the effectiveness of these laws depends on adequate public awareness of GBV and 'buy-in' from local authorities. Three villages were selected to participate in a pilot study, in conjunction with representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) and women's groups. Barangay heads were responsible for awareness building among elected officials and functionaries. They did this through events, published materials and seminars in the community. In tandem, the municipal government established a clear referral system and an inter-agency response mechanism for addressing reported cases of abuse. In the three years after the project was launched, there was a notable increase in the number of cases reported. Elected officials and functionaries now have a greater understanding of GBV and related legal measures. Village, local and municipal governments have issued protective orders against perpetrators. In addition, the municipal government has provided: assistance to the survivors and their families, including educational assistance for child survivors; assistance during court hearings; liaison with the public attorney's office for legal assistance in expediting legal cases; and in some instances, finding shelter for the survivor's family. This article is also available in Portuguese at: http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/Docs/Governance_IB21_Portuguese.pdf It will be available in French and Spanish soon. Complete Document http://www.bridge.ids.ac.uk/dgb21.html#3