INTRODUCTION
The Psychosocial and Legal Counseling Program at UP Diliman Gender Office stands as a beacon of support for individuals facing various challenges, with a particular focus on addressing the complexities of gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination. Rooted in compassion and expertise, our program offers a sanctuary where students and staff can find solace and guidance, regardless of their circumstances.
In the spirit of empowerment, we blend empathy with specialized knowledge to equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate legal psychosocial complexities and embark on their journey towards healing. Our commitment to inclusivity also ensures that all individuals, irrespective of sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE), will find a welcoming haven within our counseling space. Whether it’s providing resources for transitioning or addressing the unique challenges faced by women, we stand ready to offer unwavering support.
In line with this, our team of counselors comprises seasoned experts in mental health and gender-related issues, extending our support network beyond the confines of our campus. Collaborating with external organizations, we strive to ensure that survivors receive the comprehensive assistance they deserve.
In addition to our counseling services, we are proud to introduce the UP Diliman Referral Sector Directory for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence and other Gender-Related Concerns. This invaluable resource serves as a roadmap, guiding survivors to the plethora of available services both within and beyond our campus walls. It stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and creating safe spaces for all.
Moreover, embedded within our program is the essence of the GBV Protocol, a guiding framework designed to standardize our practices and uphold principles of justice and equality. This protocol serves as a beacon, illuminating our path as we navigate the complexities of gender-based violence. It underscores our dedication to fostering a culture of support and resilience within and beyond the UP Diliman community.
Meanwhile, to know more about the UPDGO’s Counseling Program, here is an overview of the services, scope, methods of counseling, and additional community services it provides:
COUNSELING PROGRAM SERVICES
- Psychosocial and Feminist Crisis Counseling assists survivors in addressing the psychological and social consequences of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) encompassing issues such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, gender discrimination, and more.
- Legal Counseling aids survivors of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) and GBV in knowing their rights and remedies under the law, and the court procedures and processes they need to or can opt to go through.
- Restorative Counseling helps counselees to understand the link between socially constructed masculinity and gender-based violence that will lead to cognitive and behavioral change (IRR RA 8505). This counseling is aimed to assist them in coping with the case filed against them or dealing with their experience.
- Gender-Affirmative Counseling supports an individual in coming to a secure and self-approving gender identity, expression, and experience. We also ensure that we will assist them with the psychological and social challenges associated with gender identity.
- Transgender Affirmative Counseling is provided to individuals in order to:
- assist transgender individuals in working through the psychological and social challenges associated with transitioning.
- provide information and referrals on safe medical intervention
- Counseling Special Concerns of Women helps women promote and protect their psychosocial well-being while navigating the unique challenges associated with womanhood, including menstruation, pregnancy, breast cancer, miscarriage, reproductive issues, single motherhood, and managing multiple burdens.
- Other Psychosocial Services:
- individual debriefing session for GBV responders
- group debriefing session
- for those who witnessed or heard about the GBV case
- members of student organizations
- Friends and family
SCOPE
The Office continues to provide quality counseling and consultation services to the following:
- students and employees regardless of status
- alums
- victim-survivor– who might or might not be from UP– perpetrator as someone from a UP constituent university or autonomous college
- referrals from the Barangay UP Campus
- students and employees from other UP campuses/constituents
- Non-UP community member
METHODS OF COUNSELING
- Face-to-face
- 2/F Benton Hall M. Roxas St. UP Diliman, Quezon City
- Online
- Video Conferencing (Zoom & Google Meet)
- Viber
- FB Messenger
- Mobile call
- 09673009206 (Globe)
- 09602302343 (Smart)
