Abstract
In a recent article, Mercier et al. explored the use of innovative technologies, such as telemedicine, for intimate partner violence victims. They emphasized that these technological advancements can increase the comfort, convenience, and time efficiency of healthcare services for intimate partner violence victims. In addition to these technological advancements, this article advocates for addressing structural barriers and upholding the rights of intimate partner violence victims as crucial steps for enhancing their well-being, using the context of women in the Philippines as an illustrative example.
Plain language summary
In a recent article, Mercier et al. explored the use of innovative technologies, such as telemedicine, for intimate partner violence victims. They emphasized that these technological advancements can increase the comfort, convenience, and time efficiency of healthcare services for intimate partner violence victims. In addition to these technological advancements, this article advocates for addressing structural barriers and upholding the rights of intimate partner violence victims as crucial steps for enhancing their well-being, using the context of women in the Philippines as an illustrative example. Filipino women, especially those with limited economic capacity, can find themselves trapped in abusive marriages, unable to escape due to legal and financial constraints, and exposed to the negative health impact of intimate partner violence. Therefore, to uphold women’s rights and health, it is imperative to legalize divorce and simplify the annulment process. Concurrently, comprehensive support services must be made available to women in abusive relationships, encompassing mental, reproductive, and sexual health services, as well as socio-economic assistance. This can include mental health assessments and counseling, screening for sexually transmitted infections, reproductive and child care, livelihood and housing support, and legal aid services. To enhance accessibility, these services should be integrated into primary care and other community settings, as well as telemedicine platforms.
Keywords
In a recent article, Mercier et al. 1 explored the use of innovative technologies, such as telemedicine, for intimate partner violence (IPV) victims. They emphasized that these technological advancements can increase the comfort, convenience, and time efficiency of healthcare services for IPV victims. 1 In addition to these technological advancements, this article advocates for addressing structural barriers and upholding the rights of IPV victims as crucial steps for enhancing their well-being, using the context of women in the Philippines as an illustrative example.
In the Philippines, several laws have been enacted to protect the rights and freedoms of women over the years, such as the Magna Carta of Women. 2 Thus, the country had risen as the leading Asian nation in gender equality, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum. 3 Nonetheless, one in four Filipino women reports experiencing gender-based violence, with at least 41% of the victims choosing not to seek help. 4 Similarly, approximately 17.5% of Filipino women aged between 15 and 49 years have reported experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from their intimate partners. 3 These adversities pose significant risks to the health of Filipino women, including heightened risk for depression and anxiety. 3 Hence, it is imperative to afford Filipino women the access and independence to end abusive relationships.
Nonetheless, the Philippines remains one of only two countries, alongside Vatican City, where divorce remains illegal for its predominantly Catholic population. 3 While a bill proposing the legalization of divorce in the Philippines is pending before the Philippine Congress in May 2024, 5 arguments against it are often grounded in the conviction that marriages constitute indissoluble bonds established by God and that legalizing divorce is tantamount to ruining the family. 5 While alternatives such as annulment and legal separation exist, they can be particularly challenging. 3 Annulment proceedings in the Philippines are often protracted and costly, while legal separation does not dissolve the marital union, merely allowing for property division. 3
Consequently, Filipino women, especially those with limited economic capacity, can find themselves trapped in abusive marriages, unable to escape due to legal and financial constraints, and exposed to the negative health impact of IPV. Therefore, to uphold women’s rights and health, it is imperative to legalize divorce and simplify the annulment process. Concurrently, comprehensive support services must be made available to women in abusive relationships, encompassing mental, reproductive, and sexual health services, as well as socio-economic assistance. This can include mental health assessments and counseling, screening for sexually transmitted infections, reproductive and child care, livelihood and housing support, and legal aid services. To enhance accessibility, these services should be integrated into primary care and other community settings, as well as telemedicine platforms. Such measures can be crucial in alleviating both the social and health implications of IPV and empowering Filipino women to reclaim agency over their lives.
