BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching!

For many, it is a time of love.

But not everyone experiences true love.

In today’s era of online dating and the rise of different social media platforms, cases of love scams are increasing.

Victims are deceived, tricked, and sometimes even abused.

And it doesn’t end there.

Many fall prey to sexual abuse and exploitation, with their vulnerabilities taken advantage of for illegal activities.

Because of this, did you know that there is a designated week to raise awareness and prevent such incidents?

Every second week of February, the Philippines observes the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

This aims to increase public awareness and strengthen efforts to prevent these crimes.

This observance started in 1996 under Proclamation No. 731, signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos.

The proclamation was initiated to protect children from sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking, issues that continue to worsen, especially in the digital age.

But how does a person become a victim of sexual abuse?

Children and women are the most common victims, but they are not the only ones affected.

It often begins with grooming, where perpetrators gain the victim’s trust before manipulating and abusing them.

This can start through online chats, personal acquaintances, or even within the family itself.

According to the Department of Justice, the Philippines has one of the highest cases of online sexual exploitation of children in the world.

Data from UNICEF shows that around 2 million children in the country have experienced abuse, and 44% of them do not know where to report or seek help.

Aside from online exploitation, human trafficking and prostitution remain rampant, where victims are promised a better life but end up being abused.

This is why the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation is crucial in educating and warning the public.

The government has implemented measures to combat these crimes, such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and stricter cybercrime unit monitoring of online sexual exploitation cases.

However, this is not just the government’s responsibility.

We also have a duty to be vigilant, especially in the online world.

Do not easily trust people you meet online, speak up if you know of any abuse, and ensure that children are protected from these types of crimes.