End the stigma in reporting gender-based violence

IN WESTERN Visayas, 2,763 cases of gender-based violence were reported in the first three quarters of 2024. This is likely only the tip of the iceberg. For every reported case, many others remain shrouded in silence, hidden behind the walls of stigma, fear, and societal judgment. The culture of silence around gender-based violence not only isolates survivors but also emboldens perpetrators, perpetuating a vicious cycle that must be broken.

Survivors often face an uphill battle in coming forward. They contend not only with the trauma of their experiences but also with societal attitudes that blame or shame them. Victim-blaming remains pervasive, discouraging survivors from seeking justice. In conservative communities, fear of gossip, judgment, or even ostracism often outweighs the perceived benefits of reporting abuse.

This culture of silence is particularly evident in rural areas where tightly knit communities can be both a source of support and a barrier to disclosure. Survivors may hesitate to report incidents, fearing backlash or even reprisal from perpetrators who wield social or economic power. For many, silence feels like the safer choice, but it comes at a devastating cost — both to individual survivors and to society as a whole.

When survivors feel unable to report abuse, it sends a dangerous message: that their suffering is invisible, and that justice is unattainable. This not only allows abusers to act with impunity but also denies survivors access to the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Society must dismantle the stigma that surrounds reporting gender-based violence. Grassroots campaigns must challenge harmful stereotypes and victim-blaming narratives. Schools, barangays, and workplaces should integrate education on gender equality and the rights of survivors, promoting an environment where violence is condemned and support is encouraged.

Survivors must have access to safe, confidential, and survivor-centric reporting channels that prioritize their well-being. They must be empowered to tell their stories without fear of judgment or reprisal. This includes offering psychological support, legal aid, and economic opportunities to help them regain their agency. Public campaigns showcasing the courage of survivors who have come forward can also inspire others to break their silence. And fast-tracking cases of gender-based violence in the judicial system can also help restore survivors’ faith in justice.

The theme of this year’s campaign, “VAW Bigyan ng Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras” (End VAW Now: The Time is Now), could not be more urgent. Western Visayas, with its 2,763 reported cases, stands at a turning point. The stigma surrounding gender-based violence reporting must be confronted head-on.

Ending the culture of silence requires courage — not just from survivors but from all of us. It requires us to listen without judgment, to advocate without hesitation, and to act without delay.