For months since the lockdown started, people have tried to connect with one another only through the screens of devices. A picture-perfect sized version of one’s self filtered through the lens of a camera allows the slightest glimpse of the things that make up a person’s life. However, what’s behind the screen and beyond that small video profile may not be all that how we perceived it to be.
What we do not see behind the screens and filters is the reality that 2.5 million women in the Philippines have experienced and suffered from gender-based violence. Sadly, women and the LGBTQ+ community are often subjected to physical and emotional abuse even by their very own family and partners.
Since the start of the ECQ, there has been a rapid increase in acts of gender-based violence yet only a small percentage of these cases have been reported due to restricted movement and lack of contact with support services. According to the data collected by the Philippine National Police’s Women Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), the number of abuse cases reported dropped from 1044 to 804 within the first month of lockdown. With the strict implementation of quarantine, it has been even more difficult to report incidents of abuse.
The fact that people are stuck at home offers little to no comfort to the victims who are trapped within its confines. In addition, most people overlook the small factors that contribute to the aggravation of gender violence. The seemingly minor acts of rape jokes, discrimination, verbal abuse, and emotional abuse that remain hidden due to the prevalence of social norms can result in dire consequences. Over time, it has created an unhealthy tolerance for violence in which victims are less likely to report such acts of mistreatment.
Yet never let it be said that they are alone. Despite these trying times, women continue to show their solidarity amidst this crisis. Journalists and celebrities, including Karen Davila, Dawn Zulueta, Vina Morales, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Miriam Quiambao, have taken part in battling against this injustice through the means of social media platforms. Speaking up about the issue, former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao opened up on her personal experience on the matter, highlighting its severe effects on one’s mental and overall well being. To that, she added “Human rights is for everyone. We all deserve respect, whatever gender you are, you deserve to be respected for who you are, for your choices and you deserve to be spoken to with much respect.”
The #NoToGenderViolence movement that has circulated throughout social media aims to raise awareness and remind people of the prevalent issue. With that, Lunas Collective and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have also partnered up in creating Familigtas, a campaign dedicated to fighting against all forms of abuse.
Even so, it is still a battle that has yet to be won. Now, it is all the more important for people to realize the role they play in standing against the toxic mindset instilled within Filipino culture. With so many obstacles laid out, awareness and education are vital in addressing this issue. There is a need to provide education for all genders on matters concerning consent and boundaries at a young age. In this time, the people must step up to support the prevention of further instances of harassment. Efforts need to be made to build healthy and respectful relationships that can promote gender equality.
More than that, the fight against gender-based violence calls for someone to use their voice to empower others to speak up for themselves. Even in the midst of this pandemic, one can still aid in this battle in their own way. Especially with the accessibility of social media at one’s fingertips, a person only needs awareness and dedication in what they are fighting for to take a step towards progress. That person could be you.
Sources:
https://reliefweb.int/report/world/gender-based-violence-and-covid-19
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/prevention
https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/10/23/20/gender-based-violence-affecting-25-million-women-in-ph-usaid-official-says
https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/26/how-celebrity-moms-are-joining-the-fight-against-gender-based-violence/
Megan Olladas
HiLites ASHS 