Over 18,000 Child Violence Cases In The Philippines In 2023

Despite the efforts of families, communities, and advocates to shield children from violence and abuse, the harsh reality is that it still occurs. Recent data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) highlights this ongoing issue, with a staggering 18,756 reported cases of violence against Filipino children in 2023.

While the numbers decreased from the 19,101 cases reported in 2022 and 19,656 in 2021, last year’s figures remain alarmingly high. Most cases involved child abuse, with 7,933 incidents reported. In addition, there were 7,262 cases of rape and 2,049 incidents of acts of lasciviousness.

Despite this decrease in reported cases, the PNP—and all of us—should not take comfort in the decrease in numbers.

As Police Major Meriel Editha Reyes of the PNP’s Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division expressed, “Hindi kami natutuwa na ganito kataas ang datos na nage-generate namin. Sana for 2024 ay bumaba ang cases dahil marami ang effort ng bawat ahensiya upang mawakasan ang karahasan sa mga bata.”

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A Nationwide Effort to End Child Violence

Yet the fight against this alarming issue continues. Major Reyes shared that every police station now has a dedicated Women and Children’s Protection Desk. The PNP is also conducting awareness programs in schools, universities, and offices, urging the public to report any form of violence against children.

“Malaking porsyento ang nagtuloy. Walang ibang dapat na usapin pa pagdating sa violence against children,” Reyes said, referring to the significant number of complaints that have reached the courts.

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is also playing an active role, reminding us that child protection starts at home. As CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said, “Child protection starts at home. Parents, grandparents, and relatives are at the forefront of the government’s fight against violence against children.”

Tapales outlined key strategies in the country’s effort to end violence against children. These include planning for children’s welfare, strengthening laws that protect them, promoting social behavior changes, and engaging in multi-sectoral partnerships.

Legislative Action to Strengthen Child Protection

Part of the long-term solution to ending violence against children lies in updating and improving our laws. Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, emphasized this in a video message played during the press conference for the 32nd National Children’s Month.

“Kailangan talaga natin ipagpatuloy ang ating pag-uusap tungkol sa karapatan ng mga bata, lalo na’t mas kinakailangan nila ng proteksyon ngayon sa dami ng banta sa kanilang kagalingan,” Hontiveros said.

She also expressed hope for the passage of the proposed Magna Carta on Children, which is slated for review by the House committee on ways and means before passing. The bill aims to amend the current Child and Youth Welfare Code and provide stronger protection for Filipino children.

Tapales also shared optimism about the bill's future, stating, “Pinagdadasal po nating lahat na gagalaw po ‘yan at gagawin po nila lahat ng makakaya na baka by early 2025, ito ay maipasa po ng ating House of Representatives at Senado na magkatulong po.”

In addition to offline violence, the CWC expressed concern over the growing threat of online abuse and trafficking, particularly sexual exploitation. They thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his commitment to addressing these issues, both online and offline. “We’re off to a good start. Sana po ay talagang magtuloy-tuloy. Hindi po kaya ng gobyerno ang lahat ng ito,” Tapales remarked, acknowledging the importance of collective efforts from all sectors of society.

The fight to protect our children is far from over, and let’s not sugarcoat it—it might never truly end. However, with these initiatives and growing awareness, we can work together toward creating a safer, violence-free environment for the next generation. Because saving one child at a time matters more than just statistics; each child represents a future, and every effort counts in making a difference in their lives.

Click here to learn how to teach your child to spot sexual grooming.