Capturing Voices: A Photovoice Exploration of Experiences in Multi-Level Domestic Violence

This qualitative study utilized Photovoice, a critical feminist and participatory action research methodology, to explore the deeply personal and socio-culturally embedded experiences of women survivors of multi-level domestic violence in the rural municipality of Oslob, Cebu. Grounded in a constructivist paradigm, the research employed purposive sampling, supported by snowball recruitment through trusted local partners, to identify women aged 18–35 who had experienced domestic violence within a close-knit community where stigma and fear of retaliation often silence survivor narratives. This approach ensured that the voices of the most affected yet hardest-to-reach women were meaningfully represented. The study aimed not just to document abuse but to empower participants to become co-creators of knowledge, shedding light on the structural factors that perpetuate violence. Through participant-generated photographs and critical reflection guided by the SHOWED framework, two central thematic explanations emerged for why women remain in abusive situations. These are Emotional Vulnerability (driven by complex interpersonal dynamics, family/parenting challenges, and deep-seated dependency issues) and the Disempowerment Cycle (reinforced by severe economic barriers and pervasive social stigma). The collective narratives highlighted three core experiences: continuous Discomfort, significant systemic Impediments to seeking justice, and a profound Resilience rooted in faith and community support. The study concludes that domestic violence is not merely an individual problem but a systemic issue sustained by institutional barriers and cultural norms. The Photovoice process proved transformative, shifting narratives from private suffering to public advocacy. Consequently, this research proposes the "Voices of Resilience" Awareness Campaign Plan, featuring targeted recommendations for Local Government Units, Social Welfare, and Policymakers. These recommendations focus on strengthening trauma-informed support, implementing economic empowerment programs to break dependency, and actively challenging the deeply entrenched social stigma that prevents survivors from reclaiming their lives and seeking freedom.