Conceptual Framework

conceptual framework

Figure 15

Theory of Change: Biopsychosocial-legal Intervention Framework for EJK Survivors

248

The process the surviving families undergo in their journey to healing and empowerment is not a linear process, and the intervention process should not be treated as such as well. The proposed intervention process is thus dependent on the unique identity of each family and their surrounding circumstances.

The process focuses on the surviving families themselves, with the suggested intervention services curated based on their needs and experience. However, some services also tackle the community they live in, on the assumption that the family will ultimately benefit from an empowered community and vise-versa. The families are affected by the multiple systems they are a part of, which is why the intervention process focuses on the services that can be provided by their micro, mezzo, and macro systems.

The four stages included in the process are as follows: (1) the onset, which is the time when the EJK incident happens, (2) the grieving phase, where the focus is on the immediate reaction of the affected party towards a loss or distressing event, (3) the coping phase or the short-term process the families undergo to manage to survive and deal with the aftermath of the incident, and (4) the recovery phase, or the long-term process which facilitates healing from the incident and becoming fully-functioning.

249

The timeframe of these phases, however, are not confined to the specific criteria, as they differ based on the unique situation of each surviving family.

As mentioned, the intervention process is based on the presented needs of the families and their situation during and after the EJK incident. These needs are then classified into biological, psycho-spiritual, social, and legal needs, and corresponding services for these needs have been identified. The biological needs pertain to the body’s necessities to survive physically, such as (1) survival needs like food, and (2) medical assistance, which can be responded to by emergency and in-kind assistance, as well as medical services.

Psychological-spiritual needs were also identified as the families’ emerging needs for mental and emotional stability, which include (1) the opportunity for the proper processing of emotions, (2) dealing with trauma and grief in a healthy manner, (3) presence of emotional and spiritual support systems, and (4) provision of legal information on what the family can do regarding the death of their loved one/s. These can be responded to by Psychological First Aid or the referral to professionals which provide crisis emotional intervention, emotional support from different groups, counseling and therapy sessions for survivors, and provision of legal information.

The social needs focus on the needs coming from their environment, which include (1) funds to meet their basic needs, (2) funeral fees and debts, (3) financial stability through having stable jobs, (4) the need to continue with their education, (5) security needs, and (6) holistic support and acceptance from their community. Financial assistance, burial fees, livelihood opportunities, educational assistance, protection services, and community education regarding human rights and the eradication of stigma and discrimination can respond to the aforementioned needs.

The legal needs meanwhile refer to the legal process the family might undergo, which include the needs for (1) legal information, (2) legal documentation, (3) assistance in filing and maintaining a case, and (4) assistance for their advocacy for reparation and transitional justice. These can be responded to by legal consultation, case documentation, assistance in filing cases, case litigation, and organizational and advocacy work assistance.

The needs vary from each individual or family thus different institutions and sectors may be involved in the provision of services and assistance that could help the surviving families in their healing and recovery. While these needs may be different, they could also be interconnected with one another, and the fulfillment of one could be the key to addressing the other needs.

250

Biological needs such as medical support and survival needs shall be provided by hospitals or health care facilities, CSOs, church/religious groups, the LGU, and their own community members. Psycho-spiritual needs can be addressed by the Church and other religious groups that provide such programs. The social welfare office of the LGUs and CSOs that have psychiatric professionals can provide Psychological First Aid to these families. Meanwhile, law and advocacy groups can help in providing the families with factual information on the legal process and what they can do should they wish to pursue legal action.

To address the social needs, the community, LGU, church/religious groups, and groups and individuals willing to donate can provide their assistance and support. Different CSOs can provide sanctuaries, financial and livelihood opportunities, educational scholarships for children, and community & human rights education. For legal concerns, the CHR and law and HR groups (such as IDEALS) can assist them in pursuing their legal cases, as well as educating, empowering and organizing them to become human rights advocates.

Holistic healing and recovery can be achieved through the coordination and collaboration of different institutions in addressing the needs of these families. It is necessary to look at the issue from a macro perspective and be able to connect the needs and services that may arise within the timeline, thus encouraging organizations to work together towards achieving the common goal.

The work of IDEALS mostly focuses on the legal aspect of this process by providing appropriate information on the legal process, community education, legal assistance, as well as helping them advocate and organize. This support can be given throughout the grieving, coping, and recovery process, and would vary on the willingness and readiness of the families to proceed with the legal services.

This process can be long, complicated, and oftentimes debilitating, however, it is also necessary to address the biological, psycho-spiritual, social, and legal needs of the surviving families in order for them to fully heal, recover, and be on their way to attaining the justice that they deserve. This could be possible if they can be empowered and capacitated enough to be able to voice out their concerns, pursue their cases, and advocate for the promotion and protection of human rights. Once capacitated, they could in turn be support systems for other surviving families who are also going through their journey of healing and recovery. These efforts are being made to help the families heal, as well as to empower and prepare them for the more long-term goal of achieving transitional justice for all the atrocities that they have experienced. Along with all the other surviving families who have suffered the same, the aim for collective healing and recovery is a key step in finally attaining justice for their fallen family members.