[OPINION] The myth of personal stories in the fight against sexual violence

“It takes courage for victims and survivors to share their stories, but that courage is passed on to others as they share their experiences.”

In order to commit a crime and get away with it, looters rely on some specific means. One, there were no witnesses. Second, even if they do get caught in the act, there’s nothing to keep them there. And he can thirdly ride on the shoulders of spineless enablers.

The steady influx of shared encounters between victims and survivors shows that despite enactments such as Republic Act No. 11313, better known as the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal-Bastos Act, conditions remain favorable for predators. It proves something.

Since its founding in September 2022, the youth group Enough Is Enough has reported at least 61 incidents of harassment, abuse and other forms of sexual violence on campuses across the country since the Safe Spaces Act was passed five years ago. are recorded. Still, it is certain that many more remain unreported, and that this remains the dominant narrative for victims and survivors everywhere, often related but unrelated. This decision was born out of a number of factors, including: Limited to noncompliance with laws and lack of accountability measures in schools.

The legal and administrative obstacles mentioned above are the most concrete and visible in this struggle, but they persist because of even bigger and more insufferable problems. This is the stigma and discrimination that is associated with people who have had a history of abuse and harassment. Beyond the weight of the traumatic encounter, they often continue to suffer in silence because school administrators, the church, and even their families do not understand their plight.

Too often, victim-survivors do not receive the support they need from all causes of justice. For example, if your initial actions are not appropriate, you can use social media as a form of recourse to tamp down your harasser before being required to “channel” the report by a school principal who is concerned that your reputation may be at risk. They may resort to exposing themselves. A response to what they understand, not an impulse, is the most plausible and accessible form of justice they can receive.

Another example is when a victim-survivor chooses to go through the hardships of filing a lawsuit against their abuser, but is discouraged by family and friends who want “peace” and hits a wall. If you are afraid of the possible repercussions. as expulsion and revocation.

It is clear that such a reaction to the pursuit of justice of those affected will only bring them further discomfort and suffering, and as a result they will realize how stacked the odds are against them. There is a high possibility that they will feel a greater sense of defeat and withdraw from the situation. The pattern evident in all of these scenarios is the isolation of victim-survivors and repeated tactics to marginalize victims and their stories.

Given that these are the faces of those who have experienced sexual violence, it is no wonder that there are many more who have yet to come forward. When someone is gassed, censored, or threatened by those in power, it not only silences one person, but it silences many others who have decided for themselves that they do not want to suffer the same fate as the same victim. It is done with the intention of silencing you. People who are still alive even before they take on a challenge.

That is the continuation of the patriarchal status quo. Upholding this system means trampling all attempts at justice. Because justice needs to seem unattainable and eternally out of reach. This is especially true for those at the lower end of power relationships working in various organizations, whether in schools or workplaces. I’ll list a few. If prejudice and discrimination are already difficult barriers to break through, the issue of economic, legal, and psychosocial support looms over the heads of victims and survivors who cannot afford it. be.

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This is why movements for authentic safe spaces must reject the myth of personal narratives. It takes courage for victims and survivors to share their stories, and that courage is passed on to others as they share their experiences. Effective laws and active anti-violence mechanisms in our schools are certainly important, but beyond that, these are the most impressive and lasting victories in a long-term struggle. Because it is the kind of thing that cannot be extinguished by predators and enablers alike. They rely on fear to continue the cycle of impunity that drives them away.

These concerted efforts will create collective action and drive the reality of safe spaces for all, especially the most vulnerable sectors of society. Participating in collective action means turning the tide for everyone. Because collective action is not based on superficial rules and regulations or the legal victories of a select few, but on the will and strength of the people who participate in the movement.

To learn more and get involved, this Saturday, February 10th, Enough Is Enough, in collaboration with the Partido Pandayan Organizing Committee, aims to weave together all local struggles. We will be hosting a forum titled Safe Spaces Now: Eradicating Campus Predators and Dismantling the Systems That Enable them. Enter national and sectoral struggles. If you would like to participate, you can reserve your slot at bit.ly/SaferSpacesForum. – Rappler.com

Sofia Beatriz Reyes, lead organizer of Enough Is Enough, likes to spend her time writing, sewing, and walking.