Sagip Babae is a new organization that will offer support for women who have experienced and survived domestic violence, sexual harassment, or abuse. The goal of this foundation is to provide tangible relief in order to alleviate some of the mental health impacts these crimes can have on their victim’s long-term effects including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The organization created a safe space online to further adapt to technology and accessibility.
I was invited to the foundation’s official launch last July 29, 2022, held at Bondi&Bourke in Makati. The occasion marks the start of Sagip Babae Foundation’s online Facebook community for women survivors of abuse, giving them access to various activities and resources that may prove beneficial in their journey towards healing and recovery.
The pandemic has created an unfortunate situation that renders women more vulnerable to abuse. A recent study by the Commission of Population and Development (POPCOM) found that 25% of surveyed Filipino adults consider violence against women one of their most critical issues during this current health crisis, and it’s no wonder why they’re considering how best we can help these victims heal from such tragedy.
At the event Sagip Baae founders Francesca Fugen and Melissa Rina Profeta share their own life experiences. They cite their personal trauma, as well as those of women they have helped, as their inspiration for starting Sagip Babae. Fugen and Profeta hope to provide—from the get-go—comforting assistance to women victims, aged 18 and above, from all over the country.
Sagip Babae Foundation is commited in providing the following:
- Sagip Babae Foundation’s Facebook community will hold webinars and bi-monthly group sessions, and offer self-care strategies, wellbeing education, as well as more information on meditation and holistic healing.
- The foundation will shoulder all expenses for therapy and medication within their first month of participation, as well as half of the costs in the second and third months.
- The foundation will have a dedicated counselor for the initial session with beneficiaries.
Mental healthcare is a difficult topic to discuss, but Sagip Babae has found the best way of providing mental health services through its partnership with experts in this field. This includes Mr. AJ Sunglao, a licensed psychologist and mental health advocate, and Ms. Charlene R. Lucas, a registered psychologist, and international Clinical Traumatologist. For a more extensive approach, Sagip Babae has also consulted with Third Eye Wellness, a provider of holistic healing services, and Ms. Jenny Umali, a life coach and Reiki practitioner.
At the event, we spotted and heard the stories from some of the guests that including Ms. Carmen Reyes Zubiaga, an advocate for gender equality and chairperson at Angat Persons with Disabilities United 2030; Ms. Angel Dei, a social media content creator and women’s advocate; Ms. Cassie Uyoco, an influencer who advocates for destigmatizing mental health; Ms. Joyce Pring, a TV presenter, and podcaster; and Cheris Faustino, a social media content creator, and mental health advocate. A recorded video message from Senator Bong Go will also be shown at the event.
With this event, Sagip Babae hopes to forge lasting partnerships with the attendees moving forward in order better serve their future beneficiaries. The foundation will endeavor to reach out to the women in need and offer them vital resources for safeguarding mental health during the days ahead.
