Dimpas, Maxine Jewel V. Ms.

Daryl Avila

BSBM 2 FM5 January 14, 2021

REFLECTION PAPER

Sexual harassment is one of the biggest problems that our schools and business corporations are
facing today. It is a growing problem in government agencies, schools, and corporations of the world. A
week rarely goes by without a reminder of the pervasiveness of sexual harassment as a social problem.
Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877), is the governing law for
work, education, or training-related sexual harassment. RA 7877 states that “work, education or training-
related sexual harassment is committed by an employer, employee, manager, supervisor, the agent of the
employer, teacher, instructor, professor, coach, trainer, or any other person who, having authority,
influence or moral ascendancy over another in a work or training or education environment, demands,
requests or otherwise requires any sexual favor from the other, regardless of whether the demand, request
or requirement for submission is accepted by the object of said act. There are many forms of sexual
harassment it can be verbal, visual, and physical. Physical harassment occurs when it includes malicious
touching, overt sexual advances, and gestures with lewd insinuation. Verbal when there are requests or
demands for sexual favors, and lurid remarks. Visual when there are presence and use of objects, pictures,
or graphics, letters, or written notes with sexual underpinnings. Any person who directs or induces
another to commit any act of sexual harassment or who cooperates in the commission shall also be held
liable under this Republic act. RA 7877 penalizes sexual harassment with imprisonment of 1 to 6 months,
a fine of P10,000 to P20,000, or both. Acts of lasciviousness, on the other hand, would mean
imprisonment under the Revised Penal Code.

Another law made to protect the rights of women and respond to this kind of problem is R.A
9262. The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, also known as Republic Act 9262,
considers sexual harassment as a form of violence against women. Republic Act. No. 9262 recognizes the
need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children from violence and threats to
their safety and security. It seeks to address the prevalence of violence against women and their children
(VAWC) by their intimate partners like husband or ex-husband, live-in partner or former live-in partner,
boyfriend/girlfriend or ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend, and dating partner or former dating partner. VAWC
includes the following acts of physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic
abuse. Physical violence refers to acts that involve bodily or physical harm. Sexual violence refers to an
act that is sexual in nature and committed against the woman and her child. Psychological violence refers
to acts or omission causing mental or emotional suffering of the victim, such as intimidation, harassment,
stalking, property damage, public humiliation, repeated verbal abuse, and marital infidelity. Economic
abuse refers to the acts made or attempt to make a woman financially dependent. Many people,
specifically women are not aware of the law on the protection of their rights against violence, and because
of their unawareness, spousal violence remains. Annually, there is an 18-day campaign to end Violence
against Women and Children (VAWC) observed throughout the country. It is held from November 25 to
December 12 to raise awareness that VAWC is a major concern and a national issue. The campaign
emphasizes the role of every individual, men or women, in helping to end violence against women and
children within various institutions. In support of this campaign, government agencies and the local

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 government unit of Zamboanga City provides Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and
video materials that are presented to the public, clients, and employees. Orientations in various areas of
the city were also conducted for educating women about their rights. Through this campaign, the
Philippines aim to end VAWC and inform women that they are protected against violence through the
aforementioned law.

Trafficking in persons is a crime against humanity. The Republic Act (R.A.) 9208, also known as
the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, institutes policies to eliminate trafficking in persons
especially women and children. It establishes the necessary institutional mechanisms to protect and
support trafficked persons and provides penalties for its violations. In 2012, the R.A. 9208 was amended
through the R.A. 10364 also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. Trafficking in
persons is an illegal act and harmful to human dignity and national development. The recruitment,
transportation, transfer, harboring, adoption, or receipt of a child for exploitation or when the adoption is
induced by any form of consideration for exploitative purposes shall also be considered as "trafficking in
persons". It is also considered human trafficking if there is forced labor, involuntary servitude, debt
bondage, and slavery. Forced labor refers to the extraction of work or services from any person through
enticement, violence, intimidation, or threat. Involuntary servitude describes the condition of enforced
and compulsory service induced employing any scheme, plan or pattern, intended to cause a person to
believe that if he or she did not enter into or continue in such condition, he or she or another person would
suffer serious harm or other forms of abuse or physical restraint. Debt bondage pertains to the pledging by
the debtor of his or her personal services or labor or those of a person under his or her control as security
or payment for a debt. Lastly, slavery stands for the status or condition of a person over whom any or all
of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised. The law provides legal protection to
victims of human trafficking. Trafficked persons are recognized as victims of trafficking and shall not be
penalized for crimes directly related to the acts of trafficking or in obedience to the order made by the
trafficker. Human trafficking is a major concern we should all seriously and aggressively work together
for the elimination of trafficking in persons and advocate for more defenders and protectors of our victims

Violence against women encompasses a wide spectrum of areas, such a socio-cultural and
political. Mentioned above are the existing laws in the Philippines that protect the rights and welfare of
Filipino women. Aside from that, there are things that we can do to prevent this kind of problem from
happening. We can educate ourselves and other people about sexual harassment, violence against women
and children, and human trafficking to avoid further cases. Spread important information about these
issues using different social media platforms. By doing this, we are not only saving lives but also
empowering other women to stand up against the social ills of our society. Regardless of background,
race, gender, or ideology, we must all come together to spread awareness about these issues. Putting an
end to these nationwide crises will not be easy, but our efforts, big or small, will surely count to make it
possible.

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 2. As a college student, how can you contribute to prevent or address this gender-based
violence?

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a grave human rights violation that can cause long-term and life-
threatening injury and trauma to victims and survivors. It is a kind of violence directed at an individual
based on his or her biological sex or gender identity. GBV can impact anyone regardless of their
geographical location, socio-economic background, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity. Gender-
based violence is deeply rooted in discriminatory cultural beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate inequality
and powerlessness, in particular of women and girls. Various other factors, such as poverty, lack of
education and livelihood opportunities, and impunity for crime and abuse, also tend to contribute to and
reinforce a culture of violence and discrimination based on gender. Combating gender-based violence will
require an understanding of its causes and contributing factors to effectively innovate prevention and
response about this matter. Every government body of every state has taken primary responsibility for
preventing and responding to any gender-based violence.

Both men and women can be victims of gender-based violence, but violence against women is
often at the hands of men. Violence against women is the crucial element that reinforces men’s power and
control over women throughout the world. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and
psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in
public or private life. UN Women has played a key role in developing evidence-based policy and
programming guidance on the prevention of violence against women and girls. UN Women works with
other UN agencies on the Partners for Prevention program, which greatly impacts society. The Philippine
government, the United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations have forged strong partnerships
in combatting VAW. Harnessing collective tools, intelligence, and resources to adapt, innovate and
continue to ensure that gender-based violence services will be available to survivors when they need it.
People with power accomplish major tasks in preventing this issue, but even a simple person like you and
me can make a significant contribution by merely following these things.

Educating oneself and learning the facts about gender-based violence is one step in raising
awareness and prevention to help end this global and pervasive issue. Use your voice on social media to
bring awareness to GBV. There are lots of social media platforms that you can use to exercise this step
like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It is the best way to encourage higher members of society to take
action and end GBV globally. Listen to others who speak out against violence and oppression and
advocate for victim’s rights. Don’t be afraid to speak up for those who have lost their voice or dignity. Be
an active bystander by speaking up and calling for help when necessary. Report it if you witness sexual
harassment in your school or workplace. Motivate your local college and universities to offer prevention
education to students. Support and actively participate in the programs they are promoting. Listen to
people's experiences of violence and respond to their needs. Empathize and respect the choices made by
the victims and survivors. Treat all women, men, boys, and girls with respect. Think about how can you
contribute globally and act locally. Strive for equality for everyone and believe that ending gender-based
violence is possible. Gender-based violence still remains a global problem, and unless we act to address
this problem, it will never end. It may not be a life and death matter to us, but it is for other people. We
must be a responsible citizen and help people who suffer from this kind of problem. Never neglect this
kind of issue. Instead, acknowledge and act accordingly to prevent and protect the rights of the victims.

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