While gender-based violence can happen to anyone, those living in poverty are often the most vulnerable. Many endure abuse at home because filing charges could mean losing the family's breadwinner. Yet violence leads to permanent disabilities, unwanted pregnancies, trauma, and death.

The Philippines has no shortage of laws protecting women, but implementation remains problematic. A 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey found that one in four married women aged 15-49 experienced violence, and only one-third sought help.

With a grant from the National Geographic Society, I explored the barriers preventing women in low-income communities from reporting abuse. I wrote and photographed the story of "Amy," who nearly lost her life when her ex-husband attacked her during the 2020 lockdown.

Meeting Amy again the following year, I learned she had placed her three sons in a church-based foster care program. Her story inspired "Coming Out of Age," a long-form documentary project on children in care institutions.