The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has launched a campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) with a series of short films that expose the harrowing truth: abuse can happen at home.
PCW, the national entity for gender equality and women empowerment, released two YouTube films in March that highlight how 1 in every 100 children are being subjected to online sexual activities initiated and perpetuated by their own family members.
Philippine Commission on Women launches campaign against online sexual abuse
The first film, entitled Mirror, shows a mother preparing her daughter in a nice dress and pretty shoes, only to then ask her to remove them in front of a foreigner who has been watching patiently from a laptop.
The second film, Play, meanwhile sheds light on the fact that even young boys are subjected to online sexual abuse when a father asks his son to pause from playing basketball and instead 'play' with a man online.
The videos were produced in collaboration with DDB Philippines. In a statement, Diane Chua, Managing Director at Tribal DDB, a DDB Group Company, explained that these films are meant to disturb us and motivate action for the sake of our children.
"Every frame of this film is a testament to the strength and courage of survivors. Their stories may be painful, but they are essential in shining a light on the pervasive issue of abuse, often perpetrated by people they love and trust, igniting a collective call to action. These are not just ‘family matters’; abuse is a public issue we, as a nation, should resolve," Chua stated.
'A wake-up call'
Parents say the videos are a "wake-up call" to protect children at all costs.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of our fellow Filipinos,” stated Atty. Khay Ann C. Magundayao-Borlado, OIC at PCW. “It is our collective responsibility to stand up against abuse in all its forms and create a safer, more compassionate society for future generations."
The video ends with a note that almost half a million Filipino children are exploited online each year, with their parents, relatives, and acquaintances often being the culprits.
PCW's campaign thus emphasizes the need for collective action to create a safer digital environment for all.
"We are calling on individuals, organizations, and policymakers alike to join forces in the fight against abuse and ensure that every Filipino has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and free from fear, be brave souls who find the courage to speak out and seek justice,” said Atty. Magundayao-Borlado.
To report cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, call 1343 Actionline for NCR residents, or (02) 1343 for those outside Metro Manila.
Read about how even harmless emojis are being used by online predators to exploit children here.
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