RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995)
In order to address violence against women and children in the Philippines, RA 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, is essential. It broadened the concept of rape to encompass other types of sexual assault, stressing lack of permission, and reinterpreted it as a crime against humans rather than only chastity. This includes safeguarding minors under the age of twelve who are thought to be incapable of giving permission. In line with other laws such as the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), RA 8353 prioritizes victim support services despite its primary focus on rape.
RA 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2013)
RA 10364 explicitly targets violence against women and children, which often involves coercion, exploitation, and abuse against these vulnerable groups, by outlawing human trafficking. Particularly addressing practices like child recruitment for various exploitative purposes, forced labor, and sexual exploitation, the law offers victims protection and support resources. It recognizes that poverty and social exclusion make women and children particularly susceptible to human trafficking.
RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) in 2019
Gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) is addressed under the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) in a number of contexts, such as public areas, online forums, and private locations accessible to the general public. Although children are not specifically mentioned in the law, its broad reach helps protect mothers and children from harassment. It makes the streets a safer place for everyone, especially kids, by combating street harassment and fostering a culture of safety and respect.
RA 11648 (an act amending RA 8353 or The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in 2022,
The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (RA 8353) was updated by RA 11648, which represents an important step in the battle against violence against women and children. By increasing the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16, it greatly improves protections for minors. This implies that, regardless of permission, every sexual conduct involving a person younger than 16 is now regarded as statutory rape. To help protect children, the law also makes clear what constitutes "non-abusive" and "non-exploitative" sexual actions. In the end, RA 11648 aids in the battle against violence against women and children by preventing the exploitation and abuse of minors by raising the age of consent and elucidating legal terminology.
RA 11862 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022), among others.
By reinforcing the battle against human trafficking, RA 11862, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022, directly addresses violence against women and children. It acknowledges that trafficking frequently entails violence, coercion, and exploitation, especially against weaker populations like women and children. The law toughens punishment for offenders and broadens the concept of trafficking to include child laundering and online exploitation. It also highlights how crucial it is to safeguard children's best interests and offer victims support services. RA 11862 makes a substantial contribution to the fight against violence against women and children by tackling the underlying causes of trafficking and offering complete protection for victims.
RA 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003)
By making human trafficking illegal, RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, directly targets violence against women and children. This statute acknowledges that trafficking frequently entails violence, coercion, and exploitation, especially against vulnerable populations like women and children. The recruitment, transportation, transfer, housing, or receiving of individuals for the purpose of exploitation—including forced labor, slavery, and sexual exploitation—is officially defined as trafficking. In the fight against violence against women and children, RA 9208 is essential since it makes these acts illegal and offers victims protection and support services.
REFERENCES:
https://www.dof.gov.ph/gender-and-development/
https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-9208/
https://jrrmmc.gov.ph/gad/infographics/225-republic-act-11313
https://images.app.goo.gl/htpdr42vV5k27qT49
https://images.app.goo.gl/ide2zu3mUzDFgJ2YA
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