STORIES OF INJUSTICE: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF VICTIMIZATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Injustice remains a persistent dilemma affecting crime victims and their families, often resulting from financial constraints, systemic biases, or flaws within the criminal justice system. This study aimed to explore the experiences of injustice among crime victims in Zamboanga del Norte. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten (10) informants, comprising six (6) females and four (4) males from the province. Data analysis followed a six-step process: transcription, coding, selection of significant statements, formulation of meanings, clustering into themes, and generation of emergent themes. Findings revealed seven (7) dominant themes. Four (4) themes—phantom assailant, legal paperwork mishap, officer passivity, and unsettled litigation—captured the core injustices experienced. One (1) theme, conformity/lethargy, represented the coping mechanism adopted by informants in response to injustice. The remaining two (2) themes—official backing and legal parity—reflected the aspirations of informants to prevent future injustices. The study highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure equitable access to justice for all crime victims. Keywords: Injustices, Crime Victim, Lived Experiences