Gab Valenciano (Image: Instagram/@gabvalenciano)
As more and more victims share their experiences of sexual harassment through the “#HijaAko” movement online, Gab Valenciano voiced his stand against the rape and victim-blaming culture in the country.
Valenciano took to Instagram on Wednesday, June 17, to call out those who blame women for their attires instead of the actual rapists and sexual harassers themselves for their crimes.
“Hi. Please do not indulge yourselves by blaming rape on the self-expression of women,” he stressed. “The act of raping someone starts with a thought, regardless of what the person is wearing.”
“Ask yourself this simple and basic question. Does a woman in short shorts and a crop top, in any shape or form, make you think about sexually assaulting that woman?” Valenciano said.
“If so, then you are, without a doubt, the problem. A menace to society,” he further stated.
He added that victim-blamers are “playing with fire by subconsciously authorizing the wrong person by releasing reckless remarks and glorifying a dysfunctional mindset.”
Valenciano, who said he is “all about the protection and security of women,” likewise encouraged others to speak up on the issue and stand with women.
“Real men, we must speak out and defend our women. Be it our partners, our friends, our family or our loved ones,” he emphasized.
The hashtag “#HijaAko” came about after the daughter of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Frankie, was criticized by radio host Ben Tulfo for denouncing victim-blaming.
Frankie on June 13 tweeted, “STOP TEACHING GIRLS HOW TO DRESS?? TEACH PEOPLE NOT TO RAPE” in response to a news report of a police station in Quezon province warning women to not wear short clothes and then report sexual harassment.
Tulfo replied to the 19-year-old’s tweet, “Hija @kakiep83, a rapist or a juvenile sex offender’s desire to commit a crime will always be there. All they need is an opportunity, when to commit the crime. Sexy ladies, careful with the way you dress up! You are inviting the beast.”
Frankie was quick to fire back at Tulfo, earning support from her parents, fellow celebrities and netizens for taking a stand.
Through the said hashtag, actress Lauren Young and YouTube vlogger Janina Vela recently also shared their experiences of sexual harassment by men, who touched them regardless of what they were wearing. /ra
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