# data[].attributes.headline
Single mother in Mindanao survives domestic abuse, earthquakes, and COVID-19

# data[].attributes.subject
Single mother in Mindanao survives domestic abuse, earthquakes, and COVID-19

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A MOSEP staff awaits the arrival of Gender-Based Violence survivors on the distribution day of the Cash for Protection. © UNFPA Philippines

TULUNAN, NORTH COTABATO, The Philippines --- The rainy season has come again, and for "Sarah" (not her real name), a single mother in her late 20s from Tulunan, it only brings back bitter memories. Keeping an eye to her little store and her two young children, aged three and one, Sarah vividly remembers the pains that she went through because of her partner.

"This rain reminds me of those years of verbal abuse from my partner and how he eventually left me and the two kids," she said, holding back tears.

It was when she was filled with anxiety after being shaken by a series of earthquakes in October 2019, Sarah with her two sons in tow decided to visit her partner, who was working away from home as part of the citizen auxiliary force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. "The children were missing their father so much that I thought I would pay him a surprise visit." Sarah was not at all prepared for his reaction when he said, "Leave now. I am now with another woman." Sarah and the two boys left hurriedly, in disbelief.

"I thought of taking my own life at that very moment," Sarah recalled. "But I watched my children. They are so young and innocent. They would still need a mother around."

The idea of a failed relationship and uncertainty as to how to raise her little sons by herself alone, distressed Sarah giving her sleepless nights. However, she did not file a complaint against her partner and instead settled for monthly financial assistance. Sarah and her young sons immediately moved to her mother's house, and with a little capital that she had saved, Sarah opened a small business and put all her energies in it. "The income is however barely enough to put three meals on the table," she recalled.

1 out of 4 Filipino ever-married women experience intimate partner violence

Sarah is one of those 26% of Filipino ever-married women aged 15-49, who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence committed by their husband or partner (the National Demographic and Health Survey, 2017). Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Center for Women's Resources reported that more than 16 million Filipino women were 'economically insecure'. The report also showed that those living in poverty were vulnerable to gender-based violence(GBV). And now that the COVID-19 outbreak and associated community quarantine measures have resulted in forcing women to get stuck at home, there have been increasing reports warning of the rise in domestic violence.

Soon after the series of powerful earthquakes jolted North Cotabato Province including the Tulunan town, UNFPA in the Philippines, with support from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), started working with Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress Incorporated (MOSEP) and other local partners, to address the physical, emotional, and socio-economic consequences of GBV in evacuation centers established in the earthquake-affected communities. UNFPA's support through MOSEP includes providing care for survivors, helping women to navigate the judicial system to report abuse, and raising awareness about the causes and consequences of GBV among young people and men, and the project has continued in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic and quarantines.

MOSEP's Executive Director, Ms. Mariam Ali, said "GBV can escalate among those couples whose homes are hit by an external crisis, such as earthquake or typhoon or armed conflict. If the abusers believe in violence as a solution, or mistakenly think that women are lesser than men, then the stress and uncertainty brought about by such an emergency can increase the risk of abuse."
"Cash for Protection," Hope, and Freedom
Sarah was among the 49 women who benefited from UNFPA's new initiative implemented with MOSEP entitled the "Cash for Protection", to protect women from gender-based violence and provide a social safety net for the survivors. Each target woman receives a cash aid worth PHP 10,000 (approximately USD 200) from the "Cash for Protection" initiative.

"Many women in abusive relationships do not leave their violent partners, because of financial dependence. They are not confident if they can survive and support their children by themselves alone. Because of natural disasters and now with COVID, these women are even more unsure of their potential to become independent. This is exactly why this cash-transfer assistance is so significant and meaningful for these vulnerable women because it helps them to break ties with their abusive partners, help them move on, give them a sense of empowerment, ownership, and resilience, standing on her own two feet," Ms. Ali of MOSEP highlights.

Sarah was at a town hall where MOSEP supervised the distribution of 'cash for protection' to GBV survivors like her, as the government eased the two-month-long community quarantine against the coronavirus pandemic to allow some economic activities to resume in the communities.

Sarah was grateful for UNFPA's 'Cash for Protection' support. "I will use some of the money as additional capital for my small business," she shared with a smile back on her face. "It would be a lie if I say I don't remember the painful memories. But at least, the six years of an abusive relationship that I had to endure is gone, it's over," Sarah said. "I will spend the remaining money for the needs of my sons, and also save a little for our future."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Single mother in Mindanao survives domestic abuse, earthquakes, and COVID-19 - Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
TULUNAN, NORTH COTABATO, The Philippines --- The rainy season has come again, and for "Sarah" (not her real name), a single mother in her late 20s from Tulunan, it only brings back bitter memories. Keeping an eye to her little store and her two young children, aged three and one, Sarah vividly remembers the pains that she went through because of her partner.

# data[].attributes.headline
Through Her Lens: The Impact of COVID-19 on Filipino Girls and Young Women

# data[].attributes.subject
Through Her Lens: The Impact of COVID-19 on Filipino Girls and Young Women

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Plan International Philippines' newest perception survey reveals that unique needs of girls and young women amid COVID-19 remain unmet and their capacities undervalued.

MANILA- A new study by humanitarian and girls' rights organization Plan International Philippines reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic systematically impacts the lives of girls and young women - from magnifying existing social inequalities, disrupting education and work, increasing vulnerabilities to violence, to affecting their mental health and wellbeing.

A perception survey conducted over 1,203 girls and young women aged 13 to 24, Through Her Lens: The Impact of COVID-19 on Filipino Girls and Young Women provides a closer look at the effects of COVID-19 as experienced by Filipino girls and young women.
Impacts of COVID-19 to Filipino girls and young women
The survey reveals that amid COVID-19, girls and young women are most concerned about their mental health, sexual and reproductive health, education, the disruption in economic activities causing job insecurity, food security, and violence everywhere. In fact, they are more worried about these issues than they are about being infected with COVID-19.

7 in 10 (71 percent) girls and young women surveyed cited education as the aspect of their lives most impacted by COVID-19. 49 percent said that they are worried by the "slim chances of returning to school".

Most girls and young women also said that the pandemic has also been affecting their health (both physical and emotional), economic capacity, mental health, and social skills and capacity.

"The pandemic has caused great anxiety and stress on girls and young women. Beyond the risk of getting infected, they worry about their families, about not having money to buy food and other basic necessities, and that their education would have to stop," says Ana Maria Locsin, Plan International Philippines Country Director. "If we do not address these issues, their ability to cope with and recover from the impact of this pandemic will be adversely affected."

Findings also show that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused violence- both online and offline- against girls and young women to spike. 5 percent of girls and young women surveyed said cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG) were observed in the home, while 17 percent witnessed VAWG cases outside their homes. Further, 56 percent said that they have observed cases of VAWG on social media or on television.

Verbal violence is the most prevalent type of VAWG observed, followed by emotional violence, physical violence, sexual harassment, and online sexual exploitation. As for the violence observed in social media or television, the most common type of violence observed is cyberbullying, followed by trolls and fake news, sharing and/ or posting of indecent photos, videos, or messages, online sexual harassment, and messages of threats and violence.

While COVID-19 affects everyone, the survey shows it exacerbates inequalities and poverty for marginalized girls and young women. Filipino girls and young women who are from low- and middle- income families said that they suffer more from income loss, food insecurity, inability to continue education, and heightened tensions at home which may result to domestic and gender-based violence.

"Special attention must be given to those who are most vulnerable to suffer from starvation brought by the suspension of work and have no source of income which they could buy food with in order to get through the day," says Mau, 17.
Needs unmet, voices unheard
The survey also reveals a major gap in social protection and relief assistance for girls and young women. While the majority of surveyed girls and young women said their families are receiving relief assistance from the government and the private sector, the assistance excludes their needs.

In particular, girls and young women find the assistance inadequate due to lack of hygiene kit essentials such as sanitary pads and products for their sexual and reproductive needs, such as contraceptives. Information on where to access sexual and reproductive health services is also lacking, so pregnant teenage mothers are struggling during the lockdown.

Other needs identified by Filipino girls and young women are access to information about gender-based and domestic violence and access to safe reporting, grievance, and justice mechanisms for the victims, mental and emotional support, including psychosocial and wellness programs, and access to a safe platform where they can report, speak up, volunteer, and contribute to decisions and solutions to fight COVID-19.

"Girls like me should receive information not just about COVID-19, but also about issues that affect women and girls such as gender-based violence and gender equality to help other girls who are afraid to speak up," says Raeven, 15. The study shows that Filipino girls and young women need more platforms to participate in and contribute to decision-making process related to COVID-19. The survey highlights that when given the platform and opportunities, they are capable of helping and improving our response efforts during a disaster.

Aside from following guidelines by staying at home and staying healthy, girls and young women also cited volunteer work such as relief packaging, information dissemination, and even advocacy activities among their contributions during this crisis.

Findings also show that girls and young women are the active receivers and sharers of information. In fact, 99 percent of girls and young women said they are able to receive news or information about COVID-19, and 77 percent said that they immediately verify the information or news they receive before they share these with others.

"Girls can be effective and powerful leaders and communicators during a crisis when given support and the right platforms," Locsin continues.

Through her lens

In the eyes of girls and young women, the impact of COVID-19 goes far beyond the infection and spread of disease. The impact cuts across education, mental health, economy, and child protection and safety.

In the study, girls and young women also shared recommendations to ensure their inclusion and participation in COVID-19 response. Filipino girls and young women believe that the government, private sector, and civil society should work together to:

* Provide mental and emotional support, including psychosocial and wellness programs;

* Provide assistance and guidance for parents and guardians to support girls and young women who are studying from home;

* Ensure access to quality education by improving internet connection and signals in the localities and rural areas, and exploring other means of distance learning;

* Provide information about gender-based, domestic and online violence and access to safe reporting, grievance, and justice mechanisms for the victims;

* Provide access to birth control, contraceptives, and hygiene kits including sanitary pads, and other sexual and reproductive health services;

* Include guidance on where to access hygiene and sexual and reproductive health items and services, how to protect themselves from harassment and violence; and where to access psychosocial support services during the pandemic in the information dissemination and knowledge awareness drive;

* Allocate and prioritize funding for the specific needs of girls and young women including psychosocial support and wellness program, hygiene kits and sexual and reproductive health services, and protection programs to prevent harassment and violence; and

* Provide access to a safe platform where girls and young women can report, speak up, volunteer, and contribute significant inputs to decisions and solutions in emergency and response plans, such as for COVID-19.

"We must recognize the needs, voice and potential of every girl in disaster risk management, resilience, and response efforts," Locsin says. "It is only through her lens that we can ensure inclusive, equitable, and gender-transformative humanitarian response."

###

Media Contact:

Aly Narvaez
Communications Specialist-Media Relations, Plan International Philippines
Email: alyzajoy.narvaez@plan-international.org
Phone: +63 998 962 2399
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Through an online survey, girls and young women (aged 13-24) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao provided information on their perception of the effects of COVID-19 on various areas of their lives, specifically environment, health, education, and economic opportunities.

* In total, Plan International Philippines received 25,232 survey responses. Rigorous data cleaning and validation were done, and incomplete and invalid survey responses were removed. For example, responses from those who did not meet the requirements of the study (i.e., girls and young women aged 13 to 24 years old), were omitted from the analysis. Afterward, 1,203 complete and valid responses were randomly selected from the pool of responses for analysis.

* The survey method was utilized in the collection of data. The survey data was analyzed using a descriptive approach. Quantitative data, both numeric and categorical, were collected from the participants using closed-ended survey items. These were organized and then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected using closed-ended survey items that required participants to provide brief answers to specific questions. These items were meant to deepen and provide context to quantitative responses.

* The research may be accessed via: https://plan-international.org/through-her-lens-impact-covid-19-filipino-girls-and-young-women
About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children's rights and equality for girls.

We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it's girls who are most affected. Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.

We support children's rights from birth until they reach adulthood. And we enable children to prepare for - and respond to - crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 75 countries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Through Her Lens: The Impact of COVID-19 on Filipino Girls and Young Women - Philippines

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Plan International Philippines' newest perception survey reveals that unique needs of girls and young women amid COVID-19 remain unmet and their capacities undervalued. MANILA- A new study by humanitarian and girls' rights organization Plan International Philippines reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic systematically impacts the lives of girls and young women - from magnifying existing social inequalities, disrupting education and work, increasing vulnerabilities to violence, to affecting their mental health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
Past
Domestic abuse from the SDG gender equality, is the topic we handled. It is experienced on a local and global context when women and sometimes men experience domestic abuse due to entering a toxic relationship or a toxic household (be it for work or personal reasons).

Present

To quote the WHO “In the case of COVID-19, isolation, restricted movement and stay-at-home measures to contain the spread of the infection have a particularly acute impact on women. The chances of women and their children being exposed to violence is dramatically increased, as family members spend more time in close contact and household stress intensifies, and the risk grows even greater when families also have to cope with potential economic or job losses.” Locally, we experience the same due to our similar circumstances. It was reported that one in four women experience domestic abuse according to a study by POPCOM during the pandemic.

Future

Domestic abuse is a severe problem that affects many families. It involves threats, unwanted visits and phone calls, insults, forced sex, and financial control. Intimate partner violence (a type of domestic violence) has been connected to suicidal behavior and depression.

Awareness regarding domestic abuse will inform people about the occurrence of abuse, inspire them to take action to promote progressive change, and inform survivors of various options and resources.

Taking action to address this societal issue helps decrease the suffering of those who have been abused and provide a safe haven for those who have been harmed, particularly women and children. The government is assisting individuals who are unable to defend themselves against violent spouses, and offering guidance is already a tremendous benefit to any domestic abuse victim.

We can't offer them the sobbing shoulder and moral support they require as ordinary citizens. However, we can always make an effort to be there for every victim. We can use our social media now that there is a pandemic.  By using social media, we can spread awareness by using our platforms. This will benefit folks from all throughout the country.

# data[].attributes.headline
  Domestic violence all the rage in Philippine lockdown

# data[].attributes.subject
  Domestic violence all the rage in Philippine lockdown

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A Philippine National Demographic and Health survey said in 2017 that one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse by their partner or husband.

Sadly, authorities revealed in June that this statistic has risen since Covid-19 lockdowns began in March this year.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte told reporters that around 602 women, or an average of eight per day, were maltreated or raped across the country from March 17 to May 23.

She said Quezon City's women and children's desk now receives at least 12 complaints of domestic abuse per week. Before the pandemic began, the number was around five.

Although the coronavirus has shut down many help desks, victims can now reach authorities online. Officials said they expected the number of abuse cases would be lower, but the opposite has proven the case.

The Philippines' figures are consistent with a World Health Organization report that says violence against women has increased during this year's pandemic because couples are spending more time together at home.

Stress has also been a big factor during the pandemic and is often brought about by the loss of a job and health fears.

A woman, who only wished to be identified as Amanda, decided to leave her husband after he began physically abusing her. She said her husband's moods went from bad to worse after he lost his job due to mass retrenchment.

"Before we would only quarrel verbally. But during the lockdown, especially in May, our quarrels became physical. One day he slapped my face, which persuaded me to go to court to teach him a lesson," she told UCA News.

She also believed her husband had been having an affair with a co-worker because he was spending long hours on the internet. She claimed she had found several romantic messages on her husband's Facebook account.

Thank you. You are now signed up to Daily newsletter

"He flirted with the woman he was communicating with on the internet. When I saw their private messages, my husband was so mad at me. That was when he became physical," Amanda added.

Another woman, who only wanted to be known as Katrina, is now a single mother from North Cotabato in the Mindanao region. She also runs a little store to earn some money for her only daughter.

She said she is forced to do this because she split from her husband recently after their relationship soured during the pandemic lockdown. She also claimed he used to beat her if their child cried at night.

"When the day turns dark, it reminds me of the verbal and physical abuse from my partner," Katrina said while holding back tears.

Katrina said she knew her husband wasn't perfect but did not expect he would beat her.

"I knew I married the wrong man. I was willing to make sacrifices to stay in the relationship for the sake of our child. But when he started beating me, I could not take it any longer," she told UCA News.

Like Amanda and Katrina, many Filipino women stay in abusive relationships because of social stigma against separated women. Many also remain because they think they will not be financially independent to support their children's needs and education.

Coronavirus has not only taken away lives but has also unleashed abusive husbands to harm their wives with acrimonious words and hurting hands.

Few women like Amanda have the courage to file legal suits. Most would rather keep quiet about their abusive relationship and go with the flow, or hope things change for the better.

The Philippine Center for Women's Resources reported that more than 16 million Filipino women were "economically insecure." The report also showed that poorer women were more vulnerable to abuse because they could not defend themselves.

And now that coronavirus is spreading like the angel of death, many Filipino women have no choice but to stay at home and face the reality of abuse or leave an abusive relationship that cripples the mind and the soul.

....As we enter the first months of 2022, we are asking readers like you to help us keep UCA News free.

For the last 40 years, UCA News has remained the most trusted and independent Catholic news and information service from Asia. Every week, we publish nearly 100 news reports, feature stories, commentaries, podcasts and video broadcasts that are exclusive and in-depth, and developed from a view of the world and the Church through informed Catholic eyes.

Our journalistic standards are as high as any in the quality press; our focus is particularly on a fast-growing part of the world - Asia - where, in some countries the Church is growing faster than pastoral resources can respond to - South Korea, Vietnam and India to name just three.

And UCA News has the advantage of having in its ranks local reporters who cover 23 countries in south, southeast, and east Asia. We report the stories of local people and their experiences in a way that Western news outlets simply don't have the resources to reach. And we report on the emerging life of new Churches in old lands where being a Catholic can at times be very dangerous.

With dwindling support from funding partners in Europe and the USA, we need to call on the support of those who benefit from our work.

Click here to find out the ways you can support UCA News. You can make a difference for as little as US$5...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Domestic violence all the rage in Philippine lockdown - UCA News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Philippine National Demographic and Health survey said in 2017 that one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 has experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse by their partner or husband. Sadly, authorities revealed in June that this statistic has risen since Covid-19 lockdowns began in March this year.

# data[].attributes.headline
:ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES

# data[].attributes.subject
:ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Protecting Tomorrow’s Hope Today: The Philippine Legal Perspective from the Tender-Age Presumption to Shared Parenting

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Philippine private law promotes the rights and interests of children. It emphasizes that their welfare is paramount in all questions relating to their care, custody, education and property, and enumerates the duties and obligations of parents to

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stand for Truth: Domestic violence ngayong ECQ, paano haharapin?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ASU donates seized items to CICL, women shelters - City Government of Davao

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Davao City Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) has donated sacks of shoes and used clothes (ukay-ukay) to children, girls, and women in various shelters managed by the city government. The donated shoes and clothes were confiscated by ASU from vendors illegally occupying and selling along the city sidewalks. Children in Conflict with the Law […]

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
R.A. 9262: (VAWC) Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act

# data[].attributes.headline
Abuse of domestic workers in the Philippines | DW News

# data[].attributes.subject
Abuse of domestic workers in the Philippines | DW News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Abuse of domestic workers in the Philippines | DW News

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Freedom

# data[].attributes.body
Denise Heredia - Both War and Women

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
INFOGRAPHIC: Domestic violence in the time of COVID-19 - Mindanao Times

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Share this post: InternCULTURAL POTPOURRI | The Bull and Prosperity Tree of Michael CacnioTight security for IronmanRISING TO THE TOP | ity positioned as top Mice destinationHONORING...

# data[].attributes.headline
WHO reports increase in domestic violence during the pandemic

# data[].attributes.subject
WHO reports increase in domestic violence during the pandemic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
World Health Organization - Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Levels of domestic violence increase globally, including in the Region, as COVID-19 pandemic escalates

Violence against women tends to increase in any emergency, including epidemics. Stress, disruption of social and protective networks, increased economic hardship and decreased access to services can exacerbate the risk of women suffering violence.

The Eastern Mediterranean Region has the second highest prevalence of violence against women (37%) worldwide. This is due to structural systems that maintain gender inequalities at different levels of society, compounded by political crises and socioeconomic instability in the Region.

The Region also faces more humanitarian emergencies than any other part of the world, with a huge number of refugees and internally displaced populations.

In the case of COVID-19, isolation, restricted movement and stay-at-home measures to contain the spread of the infection have a particularly acute impact on women. The chances of women and their children being exposed to violence is dramatically increased, as family members spend more time in close contact and household stress intensifies, and the risk grows even greater when families also have to cope with potential economic or job losses.

Initial information from two countries in the Region report an increase of 50-60% of cases, based on survivors' calls for help to women's organizations' hotlines.

Health services that address issues such as clinical management of rape, first-line support and basic mental health services for survivors are overwhelmed by the urgent need to counteract the effect of the pandemic. This can have particularly dramatic outcomes in countries with limited health services and financial resources, as well as in humanitarian settings.

Special consideration should be given to more vulnerable groups, including women living with disabilities, who are at increased risk of domestic violence and may face further barriers in reaching the services they need, such as social assistance and home care, due to curfews and social distancing or restrictions on movement.

Displaced and refugee women, and women living in conflict-affected areas are also particularly vulnerable due to high population density, close proximity in living conditions; poor water, sanitation and hygiene; and limited health, social and protection services.

What can be done?

Health care facilities should update the referral pathways of services available locally to include information on psychosocial support and counselling services, protection services, hotlines and shelters.

Health care providers need to be aware of the risk of increased violence against women during thistime, so that when survivors reach out to health care facilities (whether or not they have COVID-19, and whether or not they disclose the violence), they can receive appropriate and compassionate health care. Providers can help survivors by offering first-line support and relevant medical treatment.

Humanitarian response organizations need to include services for women subjected to violence and their children in their COVID-19 response plans and gather data on reported cases of violence against women.

Related links
COVID-19 and violence against women: What the health sector/system can do COVID-19 and violence against women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region | Q&As: Violence against women during COVID-19 Q&As in Arabic Arabic

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
violence against women tends to increase in any emergency

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
disruption of social and protective networks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
increased economic hardship and decreased access to services can exacerbate the risk of women suffering violence. the eastern mediterranean region has the second highest prevalence of violence against women (37%) worldwide. this is due to structural systems that maintain gender inequalities at different levels of society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
compounded by political crises and socioeconomic instability in the region.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Levels of domestic violence increase globally, including in the Region, as COVID-19 pandemic escalates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Violence against women tends to increase in any emergency, including epidemics. Stress, disruption of social and protective networks, increased economic hardship and decreased access to services can exacerbate the risk of women suffering violence. The Eastern Mediterranean Region has the second highest prevalence of violence against women (37%) worldwide.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Domestic violence is likely to increase during this time of crisis. 

In our country, 1 out of every 4 women aged 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Domestic violence is likely to increase during this time of crisis. 

In our country, 1 out of every 4 women aged 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner. https://t.co/O6pBFM1k9N

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Domestic violence is likely to increase during this time of crisis.

In our country, 1 out of every 4 women aged 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner. pic.twitter.com/O6pBFM1k9N
— SPARK! Philippines (@SPARKphils) April 3, 2020

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Domestic violence is likely to increase during this time of crisis. 

In our country, 1 out of every 4 women aged 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner. https://t.co/O6pBFM1k9N

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Domestic violence is likely to increase during this time of crisis. 

In our country, 1 out of every 4 women aged 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner. https://t.co/O6pBFM1k9N

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Domestic violence is likely to increase during this time of crisis. 

In our country, 1 out of every 4 women aged 15 to 49 experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Violence against women in the Philippines includes different forms of gender-based violence. The term " violence against women" is "the word or concept (that) has been used in a broad, inclusive manner to encompass verbal abuse, intimidation, physical harassment, homicide, sexual assault, and rape." This form of violence is gender-biased. Violence occurs precisely because of their gender, specifically because the victims are women.

The pre-colonial society offered women the greatest opportunities in relation to their social positions. Filipino women were allowed to hold high positions in their communities (as healers and priestesses). It was also common for women to take leadership roles in the barangays (See Barangay) and to fight as warriors. During the pre-colonial period, one of the first things that a man learned was that he had to respect women. At this particular point in history, disrespecting women was unthinkable. If a man was caught disrespecting women, he was labelled negatively by the rest of society.

1. to be treated as an equal by her husband and to share his honors

2. to retain her maiden name

3. to freely dispose of the property she had brought into the marriage

4. to be consulted or informed by her husband about his business affairs and contracts

5. to divorce her husband in case of non-support or maltreatment

6. to assume the headship in the barangay

7. to have a baby or not, whether she is married or not

8. to name her children

All of the rights mentioned above were freely exercised by women in the Philippines even before the country was colonized by the Spaniards, Americans, and the Japanese. Furthermore, "women had an unquestioned preferred role in religious ceremonies as babaylanes or catalones (priestesses)." It can be said that early men and women were equal in the pre-colonial society. The Filipino woman then was rarely abused and discriminated against-she was in fact a woman of strength and power.

Filipino women of the lower class (during the Spanish occupation) ready for Church

Spanish occupation (1565-1898)

Under the service of the King of Spain, Ferdinand Magellan led an expedition to further explore territories that were not yet discovered by Europe. On March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan reached the land-Sugubu, now known as Cebu (See History of the Philippines (1521-1898)). Spain ruled the Philippines for over 333 years where the Spaniards treated both men and women poorly. The Spaniards saw the Filipinos as 'indios', seeing themselves as of higher social standing than the natives. In the process of colonization, the Spaniards harmed and committed several acts of violence against Filipino women. With the emergence of the Spanish-American War in 1898, the conditions of men-more specifically, the women-worsened.

Aside from the discrimination, some Filipinas were violated by parish priests as many young women were often raped or sexually abused in beaterios.

Furthermore, during Spain's 333 year rule in the Philippines, the colonists had to fight off the Chinese pirates, Dutch forces, Portuguese forces, and indigenous revolts. Moros from Western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago also raided the coastal Christian areas of Luzon and the Visayas. Because of these conflicts in the archipelago, Filipinos were occasionally captured as prisoners and as a result, many of the women were sold to the opposing forces as slaves.

American rule (1898-1946)

In the year 1898, the United States seized control over the Philippines shortly after defeating the remaining Spanish forces in the country. With the signing of the Treaty of Paris, the Philippines was turned over by the Spaniards to the Americans for $20 million. Still coming to terms with their new-found freedom, the Filipinos went against the American forces as the Americans tried to establish control over the country (See Philippine-American War).

In an account by an American soldier, he mentioned that at one point, the Americans were forced to burn barrios as there was too much insurgent activity. They resulted to torturing men and women alike in hopes that they could provide the information they needed. During the war, the Americans did not spare women and as such, Filipino women were raped (for information), physically hurt, or killed. Since the husbands of the women were away for war, the women were often left at home and became vulnerable targets to various abuses by the American soldiers. In one of the accounts of General Jacob Smith about the war, he stated that he ordered a Major Waller to kill and burn everyone and everything at Balangiga in the Samar province and not to take in any prisoners. He even specified that all those who were capable of wielding a gun must die and everyone age 10 and up must be killed. Overall, it can be seen that during the American rule in the Philippines, Filipino women were widely abused. Stories of American soldiers raping Filipino women have been reported and heard of countless times but no one knows to what extend or if it's greatly exaggerated. While Americans did not take a lot of prisoners during the war, the Americans resorted to killing almost everyone-all the women at sight.

Japanese occupation (1942-1945)

The Pacific War began mainly because Japan-an emerging power in Asia-sought "to create a great Empire." On December 8, 1941, Japan "opened a surprise attack on the Philippines-attacking without warning-just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor." Unshaken by the presence of the Americans in the Philippines, the Japanese forces landed at the Lingayen Gulf and continued on to conquer the rest of Manila. With Manila falling to the hands of the Japanese forces, the troops from the Land of the Rising Sun invaded the whole of the Philippines, occupying it from 1942 to 1945.

During the Japanese occupation, Filipino women were greatly abused and violated. At this particular time in history, Filipino women were threatened and forced to labor as " comfort women." Upon their arrival in the country, the Japanese built "houses of relaxation" or comfort stations where Korean, Filipino, and Chinese women were brought and forced into service. From 1941 to 1942-when the Japanese soldiers were just starting to invade the Philippines-thousands of Filipino women were taken from their homes and forced to provide the Imperial Japanese Army all kinds of sexual services. Because most of the men were at war, the women were left practically defenseless in their own homes and without a choice but to submit their bodies to the Japanese. In some cases, even "their fathers or husbands were killed in front of them (the women) and their other family members."

Violence against women was not as widespread or public[vague ] compared to the years when the Philippines was under the rule of the Spaniards, Americans, and the Japanese.[citation needed ]

After World War II, more and more women had become politicized. In the beginning, not too many women were present in mainstream politics. Eventually, many Filipino women "joined ideological groups, while others became combatants of the rebel movements." Various pro-women groups flourished such as MAKIBAKA (Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan), KABAPA (Katipunan ng Bagong Pilipinas), and GABRIELA (General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action). Not a lot of these movements, however, survived throughout the years. Most-if not all-groups disbanded, mostly dying out during the Marcos regime (See History of the Philippines (1965-86)). The disbanded feminist group members scattered across different political parties, while others joined forces with GABRIELA.

While it was not as rampant as in the previous years, violence against women still happened during the postcolonial period as women in the Philippines were often sexually abused, harassed, and objectified by the rest of society.[vague ]

Today, violence against women remains to be one of the most persistent and alarming issues that the Philippines has faced.[citation needed ]

In the reports of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the statistics revealed that there has been a steady increase in VAW cases reported to them from 1997 to 2013.

The Philippine Statistics Authority's National Demographic and Health Survey 2022 found that 17.5 % of Filipino women ages 15-49 have experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence from their intimate partners. The 2021 survey also revealed 8,399 reported cases of physical violence, composed of 1,791 rape and 1,505 acts of lasciviousness.

Violence against women may take different forms at the individual, community, and the societal level. The most common forms of violence include that of rape, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, human trafficking, forced prostitution, state violence, and female genital mutilation.

Before special laws addressing violence against women were passed, women could only resort to the Revised Penal Code for defense. Today, the Philippine government has passed several legislation and laws that address the problem of violence against women. Among the Philippine laws that aim to protect women are: Republic Act No. 9262, Republic Act No. 9710, and Republic Act No. 8371.

Republic Act No. 9262 is known as The Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004. Recognizing "the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children from violence and threats to their personal safety and security", RA 9262 was signed by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on March 8, 2004.

Furthermore, RA 9262 gives women and their children the right to file a protection order. A protection order is "an order issued for the purpose of preventing further acts of violence against a woman or her child and granting other necessary relief." The protection order "safeguards the victim from further harm, minimizing any disruption in the victim's daily life and facilitating the opportunity and ability of the victim to independently regain control over her life." The types of protection orders that may be issued are: the barangay protection order (BPO), the temporary protection order (TPO), and the permanent protection order (PPO).

For BPOs, the order is usually issued by the Punong Barangay or Barangay Kagawad. Barangay officials are expected to "respond immediately to a call for help or request for assistance or protection of the victim." Likewise, they are expected to "arrest the suspected perpetrator without a warrant when any of the acts of violence is occurring, or when he/she has personal knowledge that any act of abuse has just been committed, and there is imminent danger to the life or limb of the victim." Any barangay official or law enforcer who fails to report the incident shall be liable for a fine not exceeding P10,000 and/or whenever applicable, criminal, civil, or administrative liability.

Known as the Magna Carta of Women, Republic Act No. 9710 "affirms the role of women in national building and ensures the substantive equality of women and men" in society. Pushing for the empowerment of women and for equal opportunities for both women and men, RA 9710 highlights the state's position, particularly of how the state "condemns discrimination against women in all its forms and pursues." RA 9710 was signed on August 14, 2009, by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Republic Act No. 8371 is known as The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997. Signed on October 29, 1997, RA 8371 highlights the state's recognition and promotion of all the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

Among other pieces of legislation that are related to VAW and were passed by the Philippine government to protect the rights of women are:

The Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9775)

Government, non-government, and other organizations

Formerly known as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) serves as the voice for Filipino women. The organization performs as the main body, which relay gender and feminist concerns to the Philippine government. The PCW is the main advocate of gender equality and women empowerment in the Philippines.

The PCW was first established on January 7, 1975, upon the passing of Presidential Decree No. 633. The PCW acted as the main consultant of the President regarding matters concerning the welfare of women in the country.

Its main priorities during that time were as follows:

Organizing women into a nationwide movement called "Balikatan sa Kaunlaran" (or shoulder-to-shoulder in development) This organization is now registered as an independent women's organization.

Conducting policy studies and lobbying for the issuance of executive and legislative measures concerning women

Establishing a clearinghouse and information center on women

Monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

After the Martial Law, the new administration ordered for a change in the Constitution, which led the NCRFW to revise its platform and ultimately, decide to prioritize the "mainstreaming [of] women's concerns in policy making, planning, and programming of all government agencies." The organization's main concern now is not to be merely an adviser to the President, but to voice out the concerns of Filipino women in society, spearhead the creation of laws that support the welfare of women, and make sure that all women that work not only in government agencies, but also in the whole Philippines, get the rightful and equal treatment as men do.

The establishment of the gender equality principle in the 1987 Philippine Constitution indicated that the concern for the welfare of women rose as one of the top priorities of the government. Only two years after the integration of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the very first Philippine Development Plan for Women (PDPW)-which would go on for three years (1989-1992)-was established through Executive Order No. 348. This was followed by the passing of RA 7192, also known as the Women in Nation-Building Act. The Women in Nation Building Act advocates for the equal treatment of women and men in Philippine society. It likewise promotes the equal importance of women in the building of the Philippine nation.

The NCRFW was renamed to the Philippine Commission on Women upon the enactment of RA 9710 (or the Magna Carta of Women).

GABRIELA Women's Party

General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action or GABRIELA, for short, is a leftist Philippine organization-specifically a party list that advocates issues related to that of women and children. It is composed of over 200 organizations and institutions all concerned about the welfare of women in the Philippines.

GABRIELA was established in April 1984 after 10,000 women came together and protested against the Marcos administration. It was also at this particular point of history that the group decided to name their organization as "GABRIELA" in honor of the woman who fought alongside the Katipunan against the Spaniards in the 18th century, Gabriela Silang.

GABRIELA is focused on addressing issues that affect women such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, gender inequality, sex trafficking, and rape culture as well as issues that affect the Philippines in general namely poverty, militarism, health, and globalization.

Women's Crisis Centre

Bantay Bata is a welfare organization and foundation founded by ABS-CBN in 1997. The main objective of Bantay Bata is to respond to children's needs. They respond to reports about domestic violence and child abuse. Bantay Bata also helps children who have serious illnesses or are inflicted with rare diseases. Its emergency hotline is 1-6-3 and is accessible anywhere in the Philippines. Concerns of Bantay Bata include child abuse, child neglect, child trafficking, and domestic violence.

Although its headquarters is located in Mother Ignacia, Quezon City, the foundation has ventured out of Metro Manila and has offices in cities and municipalities all over the Philippines. This helps the foundation to respond immediately and cater to reports more efficiently. A recent addition to their services is their online counseling for child abuse victims and child-family relationships.

1. ^ Dobash, R. Emerson. and Russell Dobash. Rethinking Violence against Women. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1998. Print.

2. ^ "One In Four Women Have Ever Experienced Spousal Violence (Preliminary results from the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey)". psa.gov.ph. March 26, 2018. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018.

3. ^ "Table 1. Spousal violence by background characteristics" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 18, 2019.

4. ^ Tope, Lily Rose; Nonan-Mercado, Detch (2002). Philippines (Cultures of the World). New York: Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 9780761414759.

5. ^ Rafal, Myra. "Indigenous Women in the Philippines and Its Combat to Injustice: A Channel for Women's Reinforcement Operation." 5 (2011): n. pag. IPDER. Far Eastern University. Web.

6. ^ Sobritchea, Carolyn Israel. AMERICAN COLONIAL EDUCATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE STATUS OF FILIPINO WOMEN (PDF). University of the Philippines (UP).

7. ^ Santos, Aida. Violence against Women in Times of War and Peace. Quezon City: UP Center for Women's Studies and Ford Foundation, 2001.

8. ^ Santos, Alfonso. Heroic Virgins and Women Patriots. 1st ed. Quezon City: University of the Philippines, 1966.

9. ^ Henson, Maria. A Filipina's Story of Prostitution and Slavery under the Japanese Military. Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher, 1999.

10. ^ Ashok, Savitri (2009). "Gender, Language, and Identity in Dogeaters: A Postcolonial Critique". Postcolonial Text 5 (2).

11. ^ Tolentino, Ma. Reina Leanne (June 24, 2024). "Couples for Christ issues anti-divorce manifesto". The Manila Times.

12. ^ "Presidential Museum and Library * TODAY IN HISTORY: In 1937, women's suffrage in the..." tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015.

13. ^ "Organizations Addressing VAW: Philippines". UNIFEM. November 2, 2001.

14. ^ "Bathaluman Crisis Center Foundation Inc., Davao City, Philippines". terre des hommes Southeast Asia.

15. ^ "Philippines Best Practices". A web resource for combatting human trafficking. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Violence against women in the Philippines - Wikipedia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Violence against women in the Philippines includes different forms of gender-based violence. The term " violence against women" is "the word or concept (that) has been used in a broad, inclusive manner to encompass verbal abuse, intimidation, physical harassment, homicide, sexual assault, and rape." This form of violence is gender-biased.