Where Are We Safe? by Audrey Dizon

With the pandemic, our lives have shifted and so have our realities. Working, going to school, and even shopping – everything is accessible with the click of a button. We think we are safe using these devices in the comfort of our own homes but the reality is we are not safe, even through a screen. We simply can not ignore the growing sexual harassment and violence on women online daily. With 73 million Filipinos online desperate to find sources of livelihood, social media becomes the ideal place for sexual exploitation, becoming a den that shelters predators to cowardly hide behind aliases. Online sexual abuse is tolerated despite the alarming rise in cases, thus, education must be demanded, in hopes for change. 

Being a young Filipina in the Philippines, going online is scary. In fact, according to Plan International (2020), I have a 68 percent chance of being harassed and for it to be a frequent encounter. This is not only a deep societal problem but a deadly one, most especially in the pandemic, with 1 in 4 girls sexually abused at least once in their lifetime (Violence Against Women, 2021) whether locked in their homes or outside. We are not only fighting the COVID-19 pandemic but also the hidden pandemic for women and their safety online. Women of all ages on the internet are exposed to a multitude of sexist comments, rape jokes, threats, and overall are sexually harassed. A survey conducted in 2020 by Plan International showed that 7 in 10 young women in the Philippines have experienced harassment frequently, specifically on social media. This negatively impacts women’s view of themselves, lowering self-esteem, thus making it easier for sexual preditation. With this in mind, how can we say we are safe? 

In 2020, Foundation for Media Alternatives revealed a 165 percent increase from 2019’s 49 cases of sexual violence online. In the Philippine context, this may be attributed to the deteriorating economy wrought by the pandemic whereby predators entice women with the “opportunity” to earn online like the case of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Thus the digital world needs to be a safe, respectful, and empowering space for all regardless of gender. We simply cannot ignore this pressing issue. The problem does not lie with what women post or how they express themselves on the internet, but rather the environment we have all created and normalized on the internet. There is a level of tolerance for sexual harassment that women are conforming to in order to protect themselves. We are taught to avoid, hide, and cower. We are forced into suppression, unallowing women, like myself, to thrive and reach full potentiality. Everyone should be conscious of this reality to better protect themselves online. Incorporating lessons that go beyond basic proper manners and etiquette, but also widely highlight the situation of what reality is in society in the educational system would play a huge role in gradually decreasing the threat of sexual violence online. 

As this complex problem has various factors to consider, having a sole definitive solution is simply impossible. However, education proves to be an effective combative force in understanding the dangers of online abuse, while encouraging women's freedom of expression without the hindrance of negative to ignorant comments. This is a disease that too has mutated into our virtual world, that we all need to take an active part to find a cure. I am hopeful that one day my dream of a safe place becomes all of our realities. I want to feel safe.