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Writer's pictureThrive

Philippines

Population size: 

108,116,615 [1]

Number of people experiencing domestic abuse each year:

Women who have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetime: 148%

Women who have experienced physical and/or Sexual Intimate Partner Violence in the last 12 months against women: 55% [2]

No research on male victims or other gender identities.

Cost of domestic abuse to the economy each year:

No research.

Estimated % change due to COVID-19:

No research.


Current law and policy:

In response to criticism that the government was not doing enough to protect victims of domestic abuse during the COVID - 19 pandemic President Duterte made a response to the Philippines Congress. [3]

In April 2020 The UN special Rapporteur on violence against women Dubravka Simonovic encouraged the government to adopt measures to ensure that victims of abuse have access to shelter in addition to legal and financial aid. [4]

Speaking, in April 2020 Senator Risa Hontiveros warned of a possible rise in domestic abuse cases in the country due to the COVID -19 outbreak. Furthermore, she urged the Philippine National police (PNP) and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to strengthen anti - domestic violence measures. [5]

On the 8th of June 2020 President Rodrigo Duterte addressed the country’s Congress. In his report he stated that the PNP women and children protection desks, were working closely with local government units to ensure the protection of women and children. Furthermore, he stated that the PCW has continued to implement its VAW referral system which provides for a national mechanism for monitoring and reducing GBV.  [6]

In 2004, the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children Act was passed in compliance with obligations under the convention on the elimination of discrimination against women.[7] Nevertheless, as a predominantly Catholic country, religion plays an influential role in persistent public attitudes towards domestic violence. Apart from the Vatican it is the only country in the world without a divorce law. For rights activists a divorce law would be instrumental in helping women leave violent relationships. [8]


Public spending - Paid Domestic violence leave, but 39% of Filipino respondents to a survey were aware that the law existed, and 26% reported employers reacting negatively to being asked for the leave. [9]

Commission on Human Rights warned that domestic violence cases in the Philippines are rising due to lockdown but that this is not being addressed. [10]


 

Sources


[1] The World Bank, (1).

[2] UN Women, “Global Database on Violence Against Women – Philippines”, (evaw-global-database.unwomen.org)

[9] https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2018/08/02/how-domestic-violence-affects-the-economy ; https://pcw.gov.ph/sites/default/files/documents/resources/Economic%20cost%20on%

20VAW.pdf






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