Why Do They Suffer In Silence? Confronting the Roots of Gender-based Violence Against Women In The Philippines

Gender-based violence victims often hesitate to report incidents due to fear of stigma, discrimination, state neglect, shame, and retaliation. Societal norms dictate that women should uphold family honor and reputation, discouraging them from speaking out against abuse. On the same note, women tend to dismiss their ordeal due to a lack of trust in the justice system, especially with concerns about expensive and lengthy legal processes with lack of results. Women are also often held responsible for the violence committed against them, with the belief that they must have provoked or deserved the abuse. 

One major factor is the patriarchal nature of Filipino society, which has historically marginalized women and normalized violence against them. During the Spanish Colonial Period, the introduction of Catholicism reinforced traditional gender roles, confining women to domestic spheres. This was further solidified by American colonial education, which perpetuated western ideals of femininity and domesticity. These colonial influences have contributed to the normalization of violence against women, as traditional gender norms and power structures have positioned women as subordinate to men and that men have the authority and control over women. This shows that the power imbalance between men and women creates a climate of fear and intimidation, making it difficult for women to resist or report abuse. Alongside that, domestic violence is often seen as a private family matter rather than a human rights violation, as there is a high acceptance of the justification of wife-beating.  

Within Systems and People in Power

Moreover, the criminal justice system in the Philippines has often been ineffective in addressing violence against women. Law enforcement agencies are reluctant to investigate and prosecute cases of domestic violence, particularly if the perpetrator is someone in a position of authority. Law enforcement also often fails to properly investigate cases, especially if the victim cannot afford the often expensive cases. Hiring a lawyer to represent the victim can be expensive, and court fees can vary widely on the complexity of the case, and the amount of time required. In Metro Manila, it costs around 500,000 Php, and 100,000-300,000 Php in the provinces for legal fees such as getting a lawyer. Additionally, medical expenses, loss of income, transportation and accommodation also add to the financial burden of the victims, especially for those who come from low-income backgrounds.

Certain marginalized groups such as indigenous women, transgender women, women with disabilities, and those living in poverty, face heightened risks and limited access to support services.  In particular, women with disabilities are more likely to experience physical and sexual violence than women without disabilities. The militarization and land-grabbing of their ancestral domains has made Indigenous women vulnerable to sexual violence and intimidation, as well as loss of livelihood and landlessness.

Furthermore, the Duterte administration has personified sexism and shaped society’s perception of women in various ways. These include publicly debasing women, condoning rape jokes and sexual remarks, openly harrassing women, associating femininity with weakness, and even encouraging the military to “shoot women ‘communist rebels’ in the vagina”. The misogyny displayed by the administration discourages women more in speaking out against their abuse, and perpetuates violence against them. 

The comments made by actor and senator Robin Padilla regarding consent sparked widespread debate and criticism. 

“So for example, you can’t choose the time when you’ll be in heat. So what if your wife doesn’t want to? Wouldn’t there be any way to satisfy the husband? What would happen, should we just resort to adultery? That is another case”

His statements, which minimized the importance of explicit consent, raised concerns about the prevailing attitudes towards sexual assault and harassment in the Philippines. It is crucial to recognize that consent is a fundamental human right and any act of sexual activity without explicit and ongoing consent, even if you’re married, is considered sexual assault. Such attitudes, particularly from a politician, contributes to the culture of silence where victims of sexual violence feel unseen and shamed. The government has also been committing violence against women human rights defenders through harassment, surveillance, abduction, red-tagging and killings, wielding their power to silence women who speak out and fight against injustices and for the rights of the people.

Our Roles in Dismantling Patriarchy

Combating violence against women (VAW) means empowering Filipinas and advancing women’s collective struggles. Through organizing, education, and asserting our rights to self-determination while fighting against injustices, we can address VAW. Individually, educating ourselves about our rights, recognizing signs of abuse, prioritizing mental health, and building strong support systems are key steps. Collectively, women can join women’s groups, organizations, and networks to amplify their voices, advocate for stronger laws that protect women’s rights, and hold the government accountable for effectively implementing policies aimed at ending VAW.

Men also play a crucial role in dismantling patriarchy. By recognizing and acknowledging the privileges afforded to them by their gender, men can dismantle internalized biases. This self-awareness allows them to challenge toxic masculinity, which are harmful norms and expectations that limit both men and women. Rejecting these restrictive and harmful ideals allows men to embrace healthier expressions of masculinity that promote vulnerability, empathy, and equality. Furthermore, men can actively support women by advocating for gender equality and condemn sexist remarks and behaviors. By becoming advocates and allies, not only can men support women with dismantling patriarchy, they can also serve as positive role models for younger generations. 

Current Campaigns/Organizations Against VAW

• Purple Rose Campaign - Launched in February 1989 by GABRIELA Network to fight against the sex trafficking of women and children, and the work has evolved since then to include combatting sexual and gender-based violence, sexploitation, and fetishization.
• One Billion Rising - Launched on Valentine’s Day in 2012, One Billion Rising started as a call to action based on the statistic that 1 in 3 women in the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. It is the biggest mass action to end violence against women (cisgender, transgender, and those who hold fluid identities that are subject to gender-based violence) in human history.
• GABRIELA - A grassroots alliance of Filipino women organizations who advocate for women's rights, organize Filipino women, and help educate and empower them to fight for their rights and interests through collective action They actively campaign against VAWC and provide support services to victims.
• Women's Legal and Human Rights Bureau (WLHRB): A feminist legal aid organization composed of women’s rights activists and advocates that provides free legal assistance to women, including victims of VAWC. They also conduct information-education communication campaigns to raise public awareness and actions on women’s issues.

Photo credit: philcatholic.org