DepEd told: Sexual abuse in schools could be worse than reportedStudents of the Marikina Elementary School in Marikina City attend a two-hour class orientation before the formal school opening on August. MANILA, Philippines — A group that keeps its own record of sexual harassment incidents in schools said that there is “no way” that just 70 sexual abuse incidents have taken place on Philippine campuses since 2022. According to the DepEd’s Learner Rights and Protection Office on Monday, its direct hotline for student safety concerns has received 70 complaints related to sexual harassment since its creation in 2022. “We laud the bravery of the 70 who did report cases of sexual abuse in schools and hope that they receive the support that they need,” Reyes said. “But until DepEd takes the next steps, students as well as their parents will continue to come to school not knowing if they are safe from sexual abuse,” she added.

Source: Philippine Star November 28, 2023 16:16 UTC