End Violence Now

 

Since the onset of the 18-day Campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) in the Philippines in 2008, other VAW-related laws have also been signed and amended. Among others are the anti-rape law and safe space act.

RA 8353(The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

  

The law was passed by the Senate on June 5, 1997, and the House of Representatives on September 3, 1997. It was approved by President Fidel V. Ramos on September 30, 1997. This law redefined rape as a A crime against persons, because rape violates a person’s well-being and not just ones virginity or purity. The law considers that any person, whether a prostituted person, non-virgin or one who has an active sexual life may be victimized by rape. It also defined as a public offense. By declaring that rape is a crime against persons, the law no longer considers it as a private crime. Anyone who has knowledge of the crime may file a case on the victim’s behalf. The prosecution continues even if the victim drops the case or pardons the offender. Both men and women can be held liable for rape regardless of gender. This also includes Marital rape, where a husband can be charged with raping his wife under the law if the crime occurs under circumstances. How is the crime punished? The penalty varies depending on the act itself and the circumstances surrounding it. Reclusion Perpetua (Imprisonment from 20 to 40 years) is imposed on the offender if rape is committed through sexual intercourse. Prison Mayor (Imprisonment from 6 to 12 years) is imposed on the offender if rape was committed through oral or anal sex or using any object or instrument that was inserted into the mouth or anal orifice of the woman or a man. This may also be elevated to Reclusion Temporal (Imprisonment from 12 to 20 years) or Reclusion Perpetua depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime.

 

Ra 11313(Safe space act) 

  

This law assigned on April 17, 2019, during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Also known as the safe space act or bawal bastos law. It is the policy of the State to value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full respect for human rights. It is likewise the policy of the State to recognize the role of women in nation-building and ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. The State also recognizes that both men and women must have equality, security, and safety not only in private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, workplaces and educational and training institutions.

   The coverage of this law covers all spaces this includes public places, online spaces, and private spaces. Activity such as cat calling, wolf whistling, intrusive gazing, unwanted, sending lewd photos, videos or sexual remarks threats of sexual violence, cyber stalking and harassment by peers, colleagues, or anyone in a position can be held liable and punishable by this law. This law applies to any gender emphasizing equality. This law depends on the offense and it’s severity, this law imposes varying penalties. First offence would be a fine ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 pesos and community service. For the second or repeated offence it is punishable by imprisonment for up to 6 months and a larger fine. The safe space act aims to create a respectful environment where all individuals can be protected and feel safe.

              

The 18-day campaign aims to raise public awareness about the various forms and impact of VAW, while emphasizing that VAW is a public crime and encourage safe, effective interventions in preventing and addressing VAW within their communities, particularly in public spaces. It also encourages individuals, communities, and government to work together to create a comprehensive response to VAW with strong focus on prevention. Empower survivors by disseminating information on available support services and resources, fostering a society that empowers survivors to seek justice and rebuild their lives.

References:

https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-ra-8353-an-act-expanding-the-definition-of-crime-and-rape/

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html

https://images.app.goo.gl/tqGTTxVqcyuTVDtG8

https://images.app.goo.gl/a7H3EYEzfpLtRfLu6

https://images.app.goo.gl/anJ383hdAAANXEnw8