or the imposition of cruel, degrading and inhumane treatment by agents of the state are considered violations of the Convention Against Torture – prohibited in both international and domestic laws. All these are in addition to the Bangkok and Mandela Rules which ensure women deprived of liberty’s right to security and dignity, amidst personal searches and imposition of punishment. During the FGDs, one of the questions asked of the participants pertained to their sense of security and safety within the facility and their right to be free from violence. Coming from the economic margins with low educational background, majority of women deprived of liberty were detained without awareness of their own human rights and of how to seek remedies in cases of violation. Participants shared varying levels of sense of security and safety and freedom from discrimination and violence. Accounts were shared of violence and discrimination, some from detention officers and some from fellow detainees. Over half of the FGD participants expressed feeling secure in their detention facilities, with friendly and accommodating detention personnel. This is particular to WDL from the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory, Dagupan City Jail Female Dormitory, Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory, Dumaguete City Jail, Bataan District Jail Female Dormitory, Tagaytay City Jail Female Dormitory, and the Sultan Kudarat District Jail Female Dormitory. Among the above-mentioned facilities, only inmates from the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory and some from the Davao Penal Colony showed familiarity with disciplinary regulations and processes involved in filing complaints. Across visited facilities, women deprived of liberty have differing attitudes and behavior related to reporting incidents. Some WDL are aware that incidents may be reported to an inmate in-charge of cell activities, often referred to as the “mayora” or “chief,” while others have assigned jail staff to monitor incidents. However, many keep it to themselves when they experience abuse due to distrust of detention personnel who abuse their power over inmates. A participant once sought the help of a CHR representative in Mandaluyong and was reprimanded by jail personnel. At the Butuan Provincial Jail, participants felt that their only means of reporting abuse was by sharing experiences with more “educated” inmates who are connected with people in power outside of prison. 23