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ACCORDING to the Philippine Commission on Women, one in five women have experienced physical violence since age 15; six in 100 women reported having experienced sexual violence; four percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy; but only three of 10 women have sought help to stop the violence.
The figures should not be shrugged off. Violence against women is one of the most pervasive human rights abuses despite laws to prevent it. It has to be urgently addressed through the combined efforts of government, nongovernment organizations, academe and the private sector by raising public awareness to encourage women in communities to disclose or report incidents of violence.
Violence against women takes many different forms including enslavement of women in conflict areas, killing of human rights activists, discrimination in the workplace, emotional abuse, sexual slavery and trafficking of women. Women in traditionally acknowledged marginalized groups, including refugees, migrants, minorities, indigenous peoples, and populations affected by conflict and disasters, among others, are more likely to face abuse.
Many victims of abuse choose not to report it due to lack of awareness about their legal rights. We have legislation to protect the rights of women and promote their welfare. But the greater challenge is to effectively implement these laws and educate women on their rights. Women around the country should be aware that they are sufficiently protected by laws.
What are these laws? They are the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (Republic Act 9262), Anti-Discrimination Against Women Act (Republic Act 6725), Women in Development and Nation Building Act (Republic Act 7192), Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act (Republic Act 8505), Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710), and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Republic Act 9208) and its expanded version (Republic Act 10364).
Violence against women and children is preventable through strengthened awareness, government funding, strict implementation of existing laws.
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