Woman & Children Healing
Globally, one in three women experience gender-based violence — and nearly one in two children experience abuse.
In the Bicol Region of the Philippines, these realities are deeply felt.
Violence in the home is often driven by poverty, financial stress, and entrenched gender inequality — leaving women and children with few options and little support.
Many survivors never seek help.
And without intervention, the cycle continues.
A Story of Change
Jane* is a young teenager from this region.
After experiencing abuse at home, she was brought to a safe shelter — a place where she could begin to heal.
Jane now receives personalised support to help her recover from trauma, rebuild her confidence, and regain a sense of safety. She is also being supported through the legal process, while her mother receives counselling to process what has happened.
As the sole income earner, Jane’s mother is now being supported with skills training to build a stable income — helping her provide a safer future for her children.
*Name changed for privacy
What We Do
Working alongside our local partner, Good Shepherd Home–Legazpi, Mercy Works supports women, children and families to rebuild their lives.
Safe shelter and recovery
Providing immediate protection for women and children escaping violence.
Personalised care
Counselling, education support, legal assistance, and ongoing case management tailored to each individual.
Livelihood support
Helping families build financial independence through skills training, small business support, and community-based initiatives.
Community awareness and advocacy
Strengthening local responses to gender-based violence and supporting prevention efforts.
Access to clean water
Improving health and safety for families in remote communities.
Why This Approach Works
As Program Coordinator Novelita Barallas explains:
“Women and girls, rich or poor, may experience gender-based violence. But poor women and girls are more likely to experience violence and are less able to get away from their abuser.
We move them to safety, help them process their trauma, and provide training for financial self-empowerment and independence.”
This is what breaks the cycle — not just responding to crisis, but creating a pathway forward.
The Impact
Through this program:
- Survivors are healing from trauma and rebuilding their confidence
- Families are gaining the skills and income to support themselves
- Children are returning to school and safer environments
- Communities are better equipped to prevent and respond to violence
Each year, the project supports:
- 45 women and children affected by violence
- Families to increase their income and stability
- Hundreds of people through community awareness and advocacy
Why Your Support Matters
Leaving an abusive situation is only the first step.
Without ongoing support, many women and children are at risk of returning to unsafe environments.
Your support helps ensure they have:
- A safe place to go
- The support to heal
- The opportunity to rebuild their lives