Number of sexually abused male students rising

A new study conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) showed an alarming increase in the number of male students being sexually attacked in schools.

Based on the study conducted in some 14 pilot schools, DepEd disclosed that at least 65 students have filed complaints after being sexually abused, 20 of whom are male students.

“We often think that when it comes to sexual exploitations against children, that the victims are females. But the study revealed an alarming increase in [the number of] cases that involved male students,” a teacher from Metro Manila said during an interview.

The teacher, who refused to be named, added that there are more cases that have not been reported because the parties involved choose to resolve the matter through mediation.

Data from the DepEd study also showed that among those who made the sexual advances on the male students were teachers, Boy Scout masters and coaches. They also showed that the incidents often took place during camping, training and retreats.

The study was conducted in partnership with the Center for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CPTCSA), the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Philippine National Police.

The center said that they have been following several cases of sexual abuse, including the case of a diplomat allegedly caught molesting children in a parking lot in a mall in Metro Manila.

The Education department said that they would start training elementary and high school teachers on handling Personal Safety Lessons (PSL) to make public schools and even homes safer for school-aged kids.

The PSL program was designed to address the issue of sexual abuse involving female and male students.

Under the program, children will be taught to identify forms of molestation such as “unwanted touching” by adults or by other children, how to avoid them and what to do when they find themselves in such situation.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said that the PSL program would be integrated not as new curriculum but as part of the lessons in Social Studies, Values and Character Education. –JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ Reporter, Manila Times