Gender-Sensitive Police Force

Women victims of violence who seek justice normally go through series of questioning from the police. The investigation process forces them to recall and report their ordeal, painfully, from start to finish, making sure all details are documented. In most cases, it involves medical examinations that require women to undress or allow their bodies to be checked.

On top of this, women usually find themselves violated once again psychologically, and at times physically. When investigators are not gender-sensitive, they carry with them in their language, gestures, facial expressions and actions that humiliate and put down women victims of violence. Chauvinist members of the police may insinuate that it is the fault of women why men become violent and sexually aggressive, or that women brought such tragedy on themselves. It is crucial to note that these investigators are not exclusively male but surprisingly include females who have developed prejudice against fellow women and internalized stereotype roles of women in society.

I got feedback about police raids in night clubs and prostitution dens in Manila . Some policemen in the raiding team would harass or hurt the women like worthless human beings. They think they have the moral right to maltreat dancers and prostitutes because these women do not deserve respect. If the police force is dominated by gender-biased, thoughtless, uncaring people, there is no way that women can expect law enforcement to authentically protect their rights and welfare.

Fortunately, there is hope for Filipino women because the Magna Carta of Women ascertains that within the next five years, there shall be an incremental increase in the recruitment and training of women in the police force, forensics and medico-legal and legal services, and such other services availed by women who are victims of gender-related offenses, until 50% of personnel shall be women. Women in situations of armed conflict and militarization shall be protected from all forms of gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse. The state shall observe international standards, particularly international humanitarian laws, for the protection of civilian population in circumstances of emergency and armed conflict. It shall not force women, especially indigenous peoples, to abandon their lands, territories and means of subsistence, or relocate them in special centers for military purposes under any discriminatory condition.

More importantly, the Magna Carta ensures that all government personnel involved in the protection and defense of women against gender-based violence shall undergo a mandatory training on human rights and gender sensitivity.