The Philippines, a highly collective country, heavily relies on relationships and family ties not only for social support but also to promote overall psychological well-being. For Filipino survivors of sexual trafficking and abuse, comprehensive and holistic aftercare service means considering the role their families have in healing and restoration. My Refuge House (MRH), a nonprofit organization that delivers residential and community-based services to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, online sexual exploitation of children, and sexual abuse, has long held the belief that families should serve as both partners and recipients of care. Born out of this understanding is the creation of an integral sub-program, the Family and Community Development Services (FCDS), which focuses on critical aspects of family work, namely restoration, reunification, reconciliation, and reintegration. Through intentional relationship-building efforts and the implementation of trauma-informed service plans, MRH walks hand in hand with the families of survivors as they prepare for the successful return of their daughters, sisters, nieces, grandchildren, etc. This presentation will highlight the challenges that come with helping families navigate the complexities of trauma from trafficking and abuse. It will also shed light on the necessity of facilitating reconciliation between the survivor and their perpetrating family members to meet legal and court conclusions that best serve the interests of the survivors (e.g., plea bargains designed to avoid re-traumatization). Lastly, the session aims to delve into the vulnerabilities Filipino families are susceptible to and what initiatives MRH has introduced to promote strength and sustainability.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Rose Ann Ababa is the Director of Program Operations at My Refuge House (MRH), where she has dedicated 14 years to helping trafficking and abuse survivors. She co-founded iSpeak, MRH’s advocacy program providing free community training on violence-related issues. Her work earned her the “Changing the World Award” from Leadership Worth Following in 2017.
Jedaia Rose Doñoz is the Therapeutic Aftercare and Advocacy Manager of My Refuge House, an NGO that provides residential services to trafficking and abuse survivors. She currently leads MRH’s Clinical program in giving trauma-informed interventions to survivor-participants, and spearheads its advocacy program, iSpeak, in providing free seminars on violence-related issues.
Kimberly Navarro, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology graduate, served as a Family and Community Development Officer at MRH for two years and currently acts as the organization’s Scholarship Coordinator. In her previous role, she worked with families of trafficking and abuse survivors, guiding them toward stabilization and restoration.
Jaden Kaye Empuerto is a Bachelor of Social Work graduate who serves as the Survivor and Advocacy Officer at My Refuge House in the Philippines. Her role encompasses both clinical and preventive efforts, advocating for and monitoring reintegrated trafficking survivors and empowering communities to combat human trafficking.