Rape should never be a laughing matter, the Philippine Commission on Women said Thursday.
“Rape is a gross violation of human rights, a crime against persons, an abhorrent assault on individual freedom. It should never be a material for a comedy concert. No one, regardless of a person’s social status, age, physical appearance, mental capacity, or disability deserves to be raped,” the commission said.
It also said that many rape cases go unreported because victims are ashamed to do so and because rape is trivialized.
“The repercussions of rape jokes are serious and damaging. In the pursuit of humor, women’s and even men’s vulnerabilities are exploited. Victim-survivors once more recount their horrible experiences and relive the pain,” PCW also said.
The statement was prompted by the furor caused by jokes that comedian Vice Ganda made about journalist and GMA executive Jessica Soho that made light of gang rape.
The comedian has apologized for the joke and Soho has acknowledged the apology.
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