Right-fully HERs

 

Violence against women, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, remains a major issue worldwide. These acts of violence not only cause physical harm but also harm women’s feelings, denying them their dignity, safety, and peace. Women deserve to live without fear, to walk freely in their communities, and to speak out without fear of being stopped. The government has laws in place to protect women and create safe spaces for them. In the Philippines, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8353) and the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 (RA 11313) are important laws designed to protect women’s rights, provide justice in the face of violence and abuse.

RA 8353 criminalizes rape by expanding its definition to include not only physical violence but also threats, intimidation, or control. This includes rape cases that occur even when the victim is not of sound mind, drunk, or mentally impaired. It also covers relationships between husband and wife, which is called marital rape.

This law helps women by clarifying that rape is a serious crime with severe penalties. It strengthens the victims’ opportunities to seek justice. It gives women the courage to file cases against abuses against them, with the assurance that the law is on their side. Through this, it strengthens the fight against sexual violence and ensures their rights.

RA 11313 protects individuals, particularly women, from gender-based sexual harassment in public places, including physical and online spaces. The law covers acts such as catcalling, grabbing, and other forms of abuse that degrade a woman’s dignity.

 

The Safe Spaces Act helps women by holding perpetrators of abuse accountable in public and online. It strengthens the safety of women and LGBTQ+ people, providing protection from harassment and discrimination wherever they are. It gives victims a safe way to report incidents, with the confidence that their complaints will be taken seriously. This law strengthens the peace and dignity of women and LGBTQ+ people in their daily lives.

 

Despite these laws, violence against women continues to be a serious problem. It is important not only to enforce these laws but also to be aware of our rights.As a man, I believe that all of us regardless of gender deserve to live in an environment where our dignity and safety are upheld, our voices are heard, and we can walk without fear of violence or abuse. It is our responsibility to support and protect each other, and to ensure that these laws are not just written but actively implemented for the safety and dignity of all women.

 

References: 

www.blogger.com

https://assets.change.org/photos/1/vc/kl/exVcKlRqkBYuuOt-800x450-noPad.jpg?1601489919

https://stclaresmedicalcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Violence-Against-Women-2023.jpg

https://www.pagcor.ph/gad/img/bawal-ang-bastos-1.jpg

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

https://pcw.gov.ph/assets/files/2019/05/RA_8353Anti-Rape-Law.pdf

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

https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-no-11313/