In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW from November 25 to December.12, Senator Loren Legarda stressed the importance of everyone’s cooperation to create a VAW-free society.
Legarda, author of various laws on the protection of women, said that the responsibility to end VAW does not only lie with the government but also with everyone in the community, starting with the family.
“We all have significant women in our lives—mother, wife, sister, daughter, or even a close friend,” she said.
“We all have to support this cause if only to ensure that the women in our lives would not be helpless, discriminated, or abused and would have the strength to fight for their rights. We can only stop VAW through our collective efforts,” she added.
According to the Philippine Commission on Women, one in five women have experienced physical violence since age 15 while six in 100 women reported having experienced sexual violence.
PCW records also showed that four percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy. However, only three of 10 women have sought help to stop the violence.
Legarda said many victims of abuses choose not to report these incidents due to lack of awareness about their legal rights.
“We have diligently toiled to enact pieces of legislation to protect the rights of women and promote their welfare,” she said.