Tejada, Lorvi Jana D.
BSE – English 4-1
Annual Regional Conference on
Gender and Development (GAD)
Reaction Paper
How many times do you need to hide or shed your tears, and how many times do you
need to remain still? These are the usual questions I've heard from the authorities
whenever they are handling crimes involving women as a victim of abuse. Any form or
act of violence against women is punishable by law. The Republic Act 11313 otherwise
known as the Safe Space Act IRR with several contents is now signed to be the best
basis of a victim’s concern, however, one of the specific contents of this law that captured
my attention is about the Gender-Based Street & Public Spaces Sexual Harassment and
as well as the Gender-Based Online Harassment. In my opinion, this newly implemented
law will serve as a strong defense for frail and disquiet victims of malicious perpetrators.
Violence against women can be done or acted anywhere at any time in different
circumstances therefore, I must be knowledgeable to help save victims and assists them
until justice is served.
Many years ago, I witnessed sexual abuse inside public transport. I was sitting in front of
a sleeping woman and the culprit was taking advantage of her tired body. I was completely
blinded by fear and weakness; my mouth then was covered with shame if a made a scene.
I wish we had this particular law when that incident happened so, I could have the courage
to end the lawless crime in my face, however, my hands were tied with terror. This RA
11313 is seamlessly crafted to fight for the right of abused women at all costs. Knowing
my position holding the right of a citizen’s arrest without a warrant gives me the audacity
to be part of this campaign in seeking fair justice to the victims of abuse.
I am thankful to our honorable Congresswoman GMA for passing this law in congress
addressing such a particular crime about Gender-Based Harassment which has never
been given an emphasis until this law has passed and signed in September of 2021. RA
11313 will give the victims an appropriate desk to hear their complaints and a formal
venue to submit statements in witnessing a crime to make sure justice will be served. I
recommend for those who had, and now having an abusive experience to speak up and
stand for women’s rights. It is about time to be free from fear, shame, and doubt because
there are people who are ready to defend a complainant until justice is served. Any form
of abusive act against women whether it was seen during or after the crime has to be
addressed and I can make a difference if I know and understand my rights as a woman.