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| The exhibit hopes to bring light to victims of child sex abuse |
A special art exhibit dubbed “Gallery of Hope” is on at the Consulate’s public area, to mark the Museums and Galleries Month this October.
The exhibit, dubbed “Gallery of Hope”, showcases art
works by children who have survived online sexual abuse and exploitation in the
Philippines.
Despite the nightmare that they were made to go through,
the contributing artists still made bright and colourful drawings, a reminder
to everyone that a grim past should not hinder a brighter future.
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| Some information about online sex exploitation is flashed on the screen in the public area |
The situation is most dire in the Philippines, which
is now said to be considered the center of online sexual abuse and exploitation
of children worldwide.
An earlier Unicef survey found that 7 million
children are reportedly sexually and physically abused in the country each
year.
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The abuse is committed within families and the community,
and many local governments are reportedly complicit as they give permits to
operate to sex bars, clubs and hotels where trafficked minors are brought to
and sold for sex to customers, many of whom are foreigners.
The problem is highlighted in a case reported Tuesday, where a Filipino mother and her live-in partner were arrested for allegedly selling sexually explicit photos and videos of the woman's six-year-old son to pedophiles abroad for between Php1,500 to Php5,000 per material.
The alleged offence was uncovered by police investigators who were tipped off by Australian authorities after one of the couple's clients was arrested. The boy’s mother reportedly met potential clients on online dating sites.
Both she and her partner were arrested and charged
with online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, which is punishable under
RA11930 with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and P2 million in fine.
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| Consul General Germinia Usudan poses with staff and guests at the exhibit launch on Oct 13 |
At the exhibit’s launch, the Consulate took the opportunity to distribute informational brochures from the government on the growing problem of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the country.
The exhibition is open to the public until the end
of October at the “Sining Malaya Art Corner” located at the Philippine
Consulate’s public area from Sunday to Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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