Rape remains a widespread crime in the Philippines, with statistics showing it to be one of the most frequently occurring crimes from July 2022 to January 7, 2023, with its incidence reported at 3,762, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) also highlighted that sexual violence against women and children is widespread in the country, revealing that one in every 20 girls and women aged 15 to 49 years old has experienced such violence at some point in their lifetime.

Moreover, according to the 2022 National Baseline Study on Violence Against Children (NBS-VAC), 17.1 percent of Filipinos aged 13 to 17 years old have experienced sexual violence, and 3.2 percent have been victims of forced consummated sex during their childhood.

Child sexual violence refers to any sexual act committed against a child without their consent, while forced consummated sex involves coerced penetrative acts such as anal, oral, and vaginal intercourse.

Among those who experienced sexual violence, 14.1 percent encountered it while dating. The study also found that 13.7 percent of incidents occurred at home, 7.8 percent in the community, 7.1 percent in the workplace, and 5.3 percent in schools.

During the observance of Women's Month, it is important to highlight the importance of ending gender-based violence to promote the welfare and dignity of women and girls. 

Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 seeks to address the pressing issue of violence against women and their children (VAWC) by close partners such as spouses or former spouses, live-in partners or former live-in partners, boyfriends/girlfriends or ex-boyfriends/girlfriends, and dating partners or former dating partners.

What to do if someone you know is a VAWC victim?

What are the penalties for committing VAWC?

Those found guilty in court can face imprisonment for one (1) month and one (1) day to twenty (20) years, penalties ranging from P100,000 to P300,000, and required psychological therapy or psychiatric treatment.

Where to Get Help?

- Barangay VAW Desk: Located in your Barangay Hall.

- LGUs: Contact the Provincial/City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Community-Based Services Section (CBSS) at Legarda, Manila. Tel. Nos.: 733-0014 to 18 local 116 / 488-2861.

- Philippine National Police (PNP): Women and Children Protection Center at Camp Crame, Quezon City. Tel. No.: 410-3213 / 532-6690. Aleng Pulis Text Hotline: 0919-777-7377. Emergency Hotline: 911.

- Women and Children Protection Desk: Available at the nearest precinct.

- National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division (VAWCD) at V-Tech Tower, G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Main Office: (02) 8523-8231 to 38 / (02) 8525-6028.

- PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC): Main Office: (02) 8532-6690 / 7410-3213 / 7723-0401 local 5260, 5360, 5361. For Visayas: 0917-7085157 / (032) 410-8483. For Mindanao: 0917-1806037. Aleng Pulis: 0919-7777377 / 09667255961.

- Department of Justice (DOJ) - Public Attorney’s Office (DOJ-PAO): Contact at (02) 8929-9436 local 106, 107, or 159 (Local “0” for operator). DOJ Action Center: (02) 8521-2930 / 8523-8481 loc. 403.

- UP-PGH Women’s Desk: Tel. nos.: (02) 8353-0667 / 8542-1512 / 8554-8400 local 2536.

- Department of Health (DOH) Hospitals: Women and Children Protection Unit.

- Women’s Crisis Center (WCC): Women and Children Crisis Care and Protection Unit at Vito Cruz, Manila. Tel. no.: (02) 8514-4104. Mobile: 0920-9677852 / 0917-8250320.

While it is crucial to recognize law enforcement's excellent efforts, much more work must be done to ensure the safety and well-being of women and young girls. The government must continue to improve programs and initiatives that promote respect and give essential support to people in need.  

Furthermore, communities and other stakeholders play critical roles in this effort. We can make significant progress toward a future where everyone feels valued, respected, and protected by actively participating in the creation of safe workplaces and collaborating on initiatives to prevent gender-based violence. Let us continue to work together to create a society in which gender-based violence is not allowed and everyone can succeed without fear or harm. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)

Sources: pcw.gov.ph

https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/4103937397!.pdf