Sexual violence is a gross violation of human rights. It destroys a person’s sense of security, trust, self-esteem, and self-worth. Sexual violence against adolescent girls is twice as horrifying because of the impact and damage it may cause at such a young age. It can greatly affect their mental health, emotional health, social functioning, and overall development. It may cause serious trauma which might scar them for the rest of their lives.

Studies show that 14.5% of women aged 13 to 17 years old in the Philippines have experienced sexual violence. At this age, most of these women experience sexual violence from someone they know or someone close to them like family members or intimate partners.

The following acts are considered as sexual violence:

• Fondling or unwanted sexual contact or touching
• Rape
• Sexual harassment
• Flashing or showing your genitals to someone without consent
• Forcing victims to perform sexual acts

One of the ways you can fight sexual violence is that the moment you feel or see someone threatened and unsafe, speak up about it. You, your experiences, and your emotions matter. If you think that something was done without consent, never be afraid to speak up.

For minors, parents should make sure that your children are in a safe environment especially in this time of crisis. Studies show that sexual violence increase in a time of crisis. Keep an eye on them. Ensure them that they can talk to you about anything and you’ll keep them safe.

Remember that sexual violence is a crime. It does not have to be rape for it to be considered one. Force doesn’t necessarily mean physical pressure, it can also be in the form of emotional pressure, threats, and manipulation. It is also important to keep in mind that we should never blame the victim. It is and will never be their fault if a perpetrator sexually assaults them.

If you are a witness or a victim of sexual violence, remember that you are not alone. Stand up, seek help, and speak up!  Please report or contact immediately the following offices:

• Interagency Council on Violence Against Women and Children: +63 917 874 8961 or +63 916 398 1228 or +63 917 867 1907.  Landline: (02) 8735 1654 loc. 122 / (02) 8733 6611 Email: iacvawc@pcw.gov.ph.

• Ministry of Social Services and Development BARMM: +63 950 727 1396.

• City Social Welfare and Development Office – Marawi City: +63 945 465 0809

• DILG: +63 927422 6300 and +63 961 772 1668

• PNP – Women & Children Protection Center (WCPC): (02) 8410 3213. Email: wcpc_pnp@yahoo.com / wcpc_vawcd@yahoo.com / avawcd.wcpc@pnp.gov.ph

• Aleng Pulis Hotline: (+63) 919 777 7377

• NBI – Violence Against Women & Children Desk (VAWCD): (02) 8523 8231 to 38 or (02) 8525 6028. Email: vawcd@nbi.gov.ph

• DSWD: (02) 8931 8101 to 07 and Text Hotline: +63 918 912 2813

• DSWD – NCR Ugnayan Pag-asa Crisis Intervention Center: (02) 8734 8639 / (02) 8734 8654 / (02) 8734 8626 to 27

• DSWD Community-Based Services Section (CBSS): (02) 8733 0010 to 18 loc. 116

• Public Attorney’s Office (PAO): (02) 8929 9436 local 106, 107 or 159  (Local “0” for operator)  and (+63) 939 323 3665. Email: pao_executive@yahoo.com

If you need to locate an Adolescent-Friendly Health Facility near you, you can use our HEALTH FACILITY LOCATOR. Simply input your location, then select “Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities”  and click on the search button. The results will show the Level III Adolescent-Friendly Health Facilities within a 10 kilometer radius from your location. If you need to see a Women and Children Protection Unit, then select “Women and Children Protection Unit” and click on the search button. The results will show the facilities with WPCU within a 10 kilometer radius from your location.