Trigger warning: Sexual assault, abuse
MANILA, Philippines – Sexual grooming and exploitation is a danger faced by many young people in the Philippines, a harm compounded by the complexities of reporting their experience and the power play that typically underpins the abusive relationship.
The rape through sexual assault complaint filed by actor Sandro Muhlach against two independent contractors of GMA has once again brought the problem of sexual abuse to light, specifically sexual abuse in work settings or by persons holding an influence on the victim’s career or prospects.
As many as two million young Filipinos aged 12 to 17 may have been victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse in 2021, according to a report by ECPAT, Interpol, and UNICEF Office of Research-Innocenti.
This includes instances of children being manipulated to engage in sexual activities through offers of money or gifts.
Meanwhile, government officials have raised alarm over cases of teenage pregnancies from relations with much older men, pointing to possible coercion or abuse. The Population Commission reports cases of pregnancies among 10 to 14 year-olds to be with men older than 21. The Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development also cites data that a majority of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14 and 15 to 20 in 2014 had been from men who were older.
In this episode of Be The Good, Rappler head of community Pia Ranada talks to Kitty Arce, program manager of Save the Children Philippines’ Sponsorship Program. Arce has over a decade of experience in development and humanitarian work dedicated to children.
We’ll talk about sexual grooming, how to know if you or someone you know is being groomed for exploitation, and what various sectors of society must do to protect possible victims.
Catch the episode on Friday, August 30, at 7 pm, on this page or Rappler’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
Be The Good is Rappler’s community show that features advocacies, campaigns, and people on a mission. – Rappler.com
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