Kudos to SC’s pro-women ruling

We commend the Supreme Court’s decision to protect women and children victims of violence by identifying them through fictitious initials only. This decision is a welcome action for the victims who stand to suffer further humiliation from the majority who are yet to learn how to deal with victims. We hope that like the Rape Shield Law which prevents defense panels to use the sexual history of the victim against her, this decision would be maximized to help the victims feel that their interest and well-being is very important.

We believe, though, that this ruling is not meant to encourage victims to remain in hiding forever. While GABRIELA believes that no woman or child victim of violence should feel guilty or ashamed for what happened, we recognize that recovering from the stigma of violence aggravated by the usually negative reaction of the society does not happen overnight. In fact, majority of women who come to the GABRIELA Services Department for help undergo a long process before coming out from the hiding and proclaiming themselves survivors of violence.

This is why the government should still be able to shield women and children who are not yet ready to face the society after being violated. It is understandable if majority of the victims are still recovering from emotional turmoil including shame. But beyond this,
the government should do its part by ensuring that victims get the justice they deserve while protecting them from victim-blaming and other attacks.

Aside from this pro-victim ruling, GABRIELA also encourages extensive education campaign among government agencies on how to treat and deal with women and children victims. People who are exposed to the victims should be able to help them feel that there
is no need to hide. Thus, education for both the victims and those who assist them is very important.

Emmi De Jesus
GABRIELA Secretary General