The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) advocates that women and girls deserve respect and protection.

Rape as a violation of human rights is unacceptable! No one regardless of age, sex, physical appearance, social status, race, sexual orientation or even profession deserves to be raped.

The DSWD is one of the government agencies whose mandate includes rehabilitation and empowerment of victims/survivors of violence especially those who were sexually abused. We maintain centers and institutions that provide services geared towards this end.

Rape is a serious and traumatic experience. Using it as a subject of joke is an insult to the survivors and their families.

If we cannot be instruments towards their healing, the least we can do as citizens is to be cautious of our words and actions.

Let us work collectively for a society where every person is valued and human dignity is upheld! ### –

See more at: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/2016/04/dswd-statement-on-the-rape-of-australian-missionary-as-subject-of-joke/#sthash.XYcZPEll.dpuf