Commission on Human Rights (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥斅� The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday called on all sectors to cooperate with existing actions against gender-based violence, especially during the digital age.
The CHR made the pronouncement as it commended the activation of the 鈥淎lengPulis with the CyberSquad,鈥� a virtual helpline of the (PNP) for women and children who experience abuse, violence, and concerns related to their safety, protection, and empowerment.
READ: Gender-based violence: A disease more pervasive than COVID
鈥淭o ensure the success of this initiative, CHR calls upon all sectors to actively support and cooperate with the PNP in their effort to combat gender-based violence,鈥� said the CHR in a statement.
Addressing violence online, offline
鈥淔or our part, CHR shall monitor the implementation of this program alongside our continuing investigation and advocacy efforts that seek to address gender-based violence online and offline,鈥� the statement added.
According to the CHR, gender-based violence continues to be a 鈥渄eeply alarming issue,鈥� which impacts countless individuals, particularly women and children, especially in the digital age.
鈥淥ur increasingly digital world has unfortunately provided new platforms for abuse and exploitation, which heighten the vulnerability of the aforementioned sectors,鈥� said the CHR.
READ: Investigation of gender-related killings pushed
Hesitancy
Additionally, it also noted that victims of gender-based abuse and violence continue to be hesitant to seek help due to shame and stigma.
Because of this, the CHR stressed that it is the responsibility of the government to be able to stay ahead of those who exploit vulnerable individuals through online platforms.
The CHR said actions like the PNP鈥檚 helpline leverage various channels, including social media platforms, to provide accessible assistance to those in need and enable them to seek help and guidance in times of distress.