According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development as many as 2,147 cases of child abuse

were reported to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the first quarter of this
year, more than one–fourth of which was of a sexual nature.

The figure was nearly half of the total 4,374 child abuse cases reported in the entire year of 2015,
according to the Policy Development and Planning Bureau of the DSWD. In the first three months of
2016, most of the children were victims of sexual abuse, with 539 cases; followed by neglect, with 514
cases; abandonment, with 487 cases; sexual exploitation, 233 cases, and trafficking, 214 cases. There
were 83 cases of physical abuse and maltreatment, 47 cases of illegal recruitment, and 13 cases of child
labor.

According to Philippine Statistics Authority, MARRIED women in their 30s who are living in the rural
areas have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse from their husbands, Philippine Statistics
Authority. Based on the preliminary results from the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey
(NDHS), around 11,558 married women aged 15 to 49 years old were abused. Around 4,257 of them
were between 30 and 39 years old, and 6,294 of them are living in rural areas nationwide.

In terms of population share of women experiencing physical, emotional or sexual abuse, the
highest were recorded in Caraga at 51.8 percent, as well as Zamboanga Peninsula and Bicol at 43.4
percent each.

In Caraga, there were a total of 323 women who were abused, while in Zamboanga Peninsula there
were 448 women, and in Bicol, 707 women.

NAGA CITY, Philippines—Police officials have expressed alarm over the rising number of rape cases in
the Bicol region over 10 months since January despite the declining number of “index” crimes.

According to Chief Supt. Augusto Marquez, who assumed the post of police regional director in
September, said he was baffled by the situation and could not explain why rape cases in Bicol comprised
more than 10 percent of the index crime volume. A significant increase of 8 percent in rape cases was
recorded from January to October, from 14 percent (1,903 cases) for the same period in 2014 to 22
percent (2,174) this year. The data, as interpreted, yielded 38-40 percent in incestuous rape, with
relatives—father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle or brother. The victims here in Bicol are as young as 2
years old and the oldest is 53 years old.

In recent years saw an increasing violence against women and children in Bicol region, our society
cannot resolve this entire problem of violence because of the lack of information. In the situation like
this, it is important to provide more than basic amenities and proper environment and education and
more for the development of women and children because institutional care will become their
temporary home.

An institutional care should provide vital support for vulnerable women and children who are lacking of
care and attention. Architecture alone cannot be enough to change people, but it can make a difference
and greatly affect the success of any rehabilitation facility. It portrays a significant role in the well-being
of a human by shaping their needed development like allowing opportunities for the abused women and
children to engage with the society in a specific environment. Women and children who is neglected,
abused and abandoned, need spaces that can reflect an environment that can trigger their cognitive,
social and emotional development.

Novus Vitae: A Proposed Rehabilitation for abused women and children is meant to provide immediate
temporary shelter and protect women and children survivors of violence from further harm and high
risk situations, thereby facilitating their healing and recovery for their eventual reintegration to their
families and communities. This proposal also design to help those abused women and children heal and
rebirth themselves after the violence and abusive things happen to them. This proposal will also help
them grow