Via Pexels

Is the Philippines a hostile place for rape victims?

Rape culture has been plaguing the Philippines since time immemorial. According to Marshall University’s Women Center, “rape culture is perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety.” And given this definition, many of us can attest to seeing this kind of culture exemplified in our country – just by listening to some of our politicians’ remarks, reading the comment sections of news articles that report about rape and sexual abuse, and even the catcalling cases happening in public places.

For the past few weeks, there has been a slew of rape cases that shocked the nation.

One of the more prevalent examples that make the Philippines a haven of rape culture is “victim blaming.” And it really shows in the comment sections of many news articles in the country.

Even though rapists should be held responsible in these situations, in today’s society, there are still people who tend to put the blame on the victims rather than the perpetrators.

One of the latest rape stories that caught the nation’s attention was the 16-year old girl that was allegedly gang-raped by six men during their drinking spree.

As reported by INQUIRER.net, the incident happened last March 19, early morning in Tondo, Manila.

This particular news story gathered unusual comments from the netizens. Thus, prompting this Facebook user to share his inputs about the sick comments coming from his countrymen.

I think that this country is getting dangerous for women. The pervading kill and rape mentality, and misogyny, emanating… 由 Gabriel Paras 发布于 2019年3月20日周三

Majority of the online users in the comment section placed the blame on the victim rather than to the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

In his caption, Gabriel Paras told his followers on why he decided to take snapshots of these horrible comments.

“I think that this country is getting dangerous for women. The pervading kill and rape mentality, and misogyny, emanating from the President and other Filipino citizens is enough to induce social misfits to heinous crimes. Rape exists because of rapists, not [because of] beautiful women. Nobody wants it and nobody asked for it”

He then explained the reasons why he thought the Philippines was a dangerous place for women.

“Just because a girl had a couple of shots or got drunk with you that doesn’t mean that she’s asking to be raped and there will be no acceptable reason or excuse for rape. If you use force, sedate a girl, drugged her, or even got her drunk then tried having sex with her without her consent then you are a rapist. A lot of you support [the] death penalty for rapist but if you put the blame on someone who got raped for being raped then you also have the mentality of a rapist.”

This “victim blaming” culture is wrong and disgusting on so many levels. But knowing that there are people like Gabriel Paras, who are very open about discussing how vile this way of thinking is, we can further hope that this despicable trait of some Filipinos will no longer be cultivated in our country or in any other place of this earth again./FM

InqPOP! Creator Community/ John Marwin Elao

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Read more from InqPOP!:

Under any context, rape jokes are never okay and not funny

WATCH: Filipino artist created a masterpiece, called it ‘The Rape of our Motherland’

Is the new date-rape drug test another ‘gimmick’ that perpetuates rape culture?

10 Ways we can actually end rape