CAMELEON will open a new shelter in Silay, in the province of Negros Occidental, in order to facilitate the protection, personal reconstruction and reintegration of 40 young girls victim of sexual abuse (5-23 years old).They will be provided with the opportunity to go to school, participate in sports, and receive medical/psychological care as well as legal assistance when they wish to sue their aggressors. CAMELEON will also raise awareness on Children's Rights at local and national levels.
In the Philippines, 70% of rape victims are children. The Region 18 where the project takes place has the highest rate of cases of sexual abuse on children. Many cases are not reported because of the fear of family dishonor. In Negros Occidental there is no organization that offers specialized help for these children. With 20 years experience in running Rehabilitation Shelters on Panay Island, CAMELEON wants to duplicate its action by opening a new home in Negros in order to protect more victims
CAMELEON offers general support to the young girls victim of sexual abuse (basic care, food, education, professional training) and psychological counselling to help them rebuild themselves. The families receive training in parenting to facilitate the reintegration of the girls. It also provides legal assistance for the duration of the trial to the girls who wish to sue their perpetrators. The association supports its beneficiaries until the resolution of the conflict and their complete autonomy.
Thanks to the project, 40 young girls victim of sexual abuse will rebuild themselves and will be resilient. They will build their future thanks to education and skills development. They will know their rights and invoke them in front of the court, which will help them fight impunity. The families will change their behavior towards their daughters and promote Children's Rights. The communities and local authorities will be mobilized together to prevent and deal with child abuse cases in Negros
