Question & AnswerQ&A (DECS MEMORANDUM NO. 201)
Republic Act 8353 is the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 in the Philippines, enacted to address sexual abuse and violence against women. It was signed into law in 1997.
The memorandum emphasizes integration to promote continuous preventive education on Violence Against Women (VAW) among young men, women, and children, increasing awareness and prevention from an early age.
At the elementary level, schools are encouraged to integrate the Anti-Rape Law topics into Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP), Sibika at Kultura, and HEKASI.
At the secondary level, the Anti-Rape Law should be integrated into the subject of History.
The memorandum states that violence against women arises from unequal gender relations where male control over women is assumed to be a matter of right dictated by societal norms and institutions.
The memorandum specifically mentions domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and rape as forms of violence against Filipino women.
The memorandum cites the General Recommendation 19 on Violence Against Women from the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1992.
Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in school-based activities such as PTA meetings to promote awareness of the Anti-Rape Law.
Women who suffer violence are often left without family support, facing social stigma, ostracism, and cruel societal scrutiny.
The main objective is to support a preventive education program aimed at reducing Violence Against Women by educating young people about their rights and legal protections.