Sexual Harassment

Photo by: Debbie Deboo Model Felicity McKee Re-illustrated by: Niña Edora

Sexual harassment in the Philippines is very evident. It happens everyday, everywhere, and to anyone. The numbers of victims are unbelievable, involving children at a very young age. In fact, according to Unicef, 1 out of 5 children below the age of 18 have experienced any sort of sexual harassment or violence growing up, while there are 88% of women ages 18 and above who have experienced sexual harassment at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, some people who have experienced it brushes it off, and just keeps quiet, not knowing or aware that sexual harassment is illegal and is punishable by law.

Sexual harassment can be punished under Republic Act 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995. The Anti- Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, or Republic Act 9262, also considers sexual harassment as a form of violence against women, and can be used as a case to file for the violators.

According to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, it classifies sexual harassment as work-related, when a person demands, requests, or requires sexual favors from another person in exchange for any important work related opportunities. It may also be counted as sexual harassment if the sexual demands would result to abuse of rights under the labor law, and an environment that is frightening and uncomfortable for the victim. Education is also classified when it comes to sexual harassment. It happens when a person demands, requests, or requires sexual favors from a student in return for school-related opportunities like, giving a high grade, granting of honors and scholarships, and the like.

Any person who violates the law shall face imprisonment of not less than 1 month and/or not more than 6 months, or the violator will pay a fine of 10,000 to 20,000 pesos, or both, as indicated in the Republic Act 7877.

It is very important for all the people, from those who have experienced to those who have not, to know that they have rights, and they can fight for tit when it comes to sexual harassment. We all have a voice and a chance to save and defend ourselves from people who in any way violated us. Let us all keep in mind that we should not be afraid to help and stop this.

References:

The invisible ways we experience sexual harassment. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2017, from http://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2017/03/28/sexual-harassment-policies.html Cruz, G. D. (n.d.). The many faces of sexual harassment in PH. Retrieved December 7, 2017, from https Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2017, from http://pcw.gov.ph/law/republic-act-7877