Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that The

State recognizes the role of women in nation building, and shall

ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and
men.
While it is already accepted knowledge that women nowadays
are more empowered in terms of suffrage, career positions, and
opportunities, it should also be pointed out that a lot of women
do not have power over themselves. Crimes against women
such as abuse and violence are still prevalent and continues to
rise.

A woman is like a tea bag; you never know

how strong it is until it's in hot water.
Eleanor Roosevelt
American politician, diplomat, and activist.
Longest-serving First Lady of the United States

I do not think, sir, you have any right to

command me, merely because you are older
than I, or because you have seen more of the
world than I have; your claim to superiority
depends on the use you have made of your
time and experience.
Charlotte Bront, Jane Eyre

1 out of 5 women aged 15 to 49 has

experienced physical violence since age 15.
1 in 10 women age 15 to 49 have
experienced sexual violence.

Women who experience abuse not only get hurt physically, but
emotionally as well.

1 in 3 women who experienced physical and

sexual violence reported having physical injuries
such as cuts, bruises, or aches.
3 in 5 women who experience physical and
sexual violence reported having experienced
psychological consequences like depression,
anxieties, and anger.
As women are integral and essential parts in nation building, the
State shall therefore take care of the needs of the women and
protect them from all kinds of danger that may damage their
integrity and sanity. As such, violence against women shall be
prevented at all costs.

English novelist and poet

I do not wish them [women] to have power

over men; but over themselves.
Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the
Rights of Woman

The Philippines has enacted several laws protecting women

from violence:

Anti-Sexual Harassment
Anti-Rape and Rape Victim Assistance and Protection
Anti-Trafficking of Persons
Anti-Violence against Women and Children with
Womens and Childrens Desks and Services
RA 9262: The Anti-Violence Against Women Act of 2004

Many Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and partylists are

also involved in protecting women against violence:

GABRIELA
Stop the Abuse and Violence against Our Women (SAVE
Our Women)
Bathaluman Crisis Center Foundation
Womens Crisis Center (WCC)

English writer, philosopher, and advocate of women's rights

A state that does not educate and train women

is like a man who only trains his right arm.
Jostein Gaarder, Sophie's World
Norwegian intellectual and author of several
novels, short stories and children's books

Women have a much better time than men in

this world; there are far more things forbidden
to them.
Oscar Wilde
Irish writer and poet

I declare to you that woman must not depend

upon the protection of man, but must be taught
to protect herself, and there I take my stand.
Susan B. Anthony
American social reformer and feminist who played a
pivotal role in the women's suffrage movement

Though efforts and laws have already been enacted, the cases
of abuse and violence against women are still on the rise.

The following are suggested for better service and eventual

mitigation of the problem:

1.

Awareness campaigns on violence against women

shall be continued and further strengthened.
Widespread awareness must be
observed.
It
should
be
participated by the government,
NGOs, public and private
sectors, and by the citizens as
well.

2.

A hospital or a special section of a hospital shall be allocated

specifically to cater to the needs of
women who are victims of abuse and
violence.
The hospital or hospital section must
consist of an emergency room, recovery
rooms, and psychological wards for their
emotional healing. Doctors, nurses, psychologists and
psychiatrists who are competent enough to handle these
cases shall be employed. The victims hospital admission may
be kept a secret upon the patients request to ensure security
and preserving her dignity.

3.

The aforementioned hospital or hospital section shall

mandatorily report the cases to the police or proper
authority even without the patients consent.
This is one way of the better
monitoring the situation and so that
appropriate actions against the
crimes perpetrator shall be executed.
Many victims choose not to report the
abuse to the police or other competent authority for many
reasons. For victims of sexual abuse, they fear of being
labeled as dirty woman once people found out that they
were raped. As for victims of physical abuse, either their
partners threatening them with danger or fear for their
childrens future are some of the causes.

Political Science II B1:

4.

The subject of abuse and violence against women shall be

included during marriage counseling.
This is to make the couple aware of their
rights and their limitations. Discussing the
RA 9262 during marriage counseling might
be helpful in mitigating physical and sexual
abuse, especially marital rape.

Mara Alexandria B. Abalos

Rumar M. Guillena

YOU HIT,
WE HURT.
BREAK THE
SILENCE!
Photo Source: Katie Giattini