NOWADAYS, Facebook has become a space where everyone can freely speak out -- about a bad phone network service, grievances against the president of the country, outrage for the quarries that led to the death of many.
But Facebook has also played a major role in drawing attention toward social issues like violence against women and even topics women are afraid to speak out about -- like rape.
Remember the sexual assault expose against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein? It started the #MeToo conversation on Twitter and Facebook.
Actress Alyssa Milano, one of Weinstein's critics, sparked the #MeToo conversation involving sexual abuses toward women.
After Milano's tweet, millions of men and women used Twitter and Facebook to disclose their sexual abuse stories.
In the local scene, just last September 24, a post from a Cebuana started gaining traction on social media after she divulged that she was raped by her boyfriend.
"Consent — one word that draws a clear line between sex and rape."
This was the opening statement made by the teenager, before narrating that she had been raped by her boyfriend. She uploaded a photo of the bruises on her arms and it was shared 457 times 24 hours after it was posted on Facebook.
But what makes this post interesting is both kids come from affluent families in Cebu.
The girl comes from a family with a successful manufacturing business; the boy belongs to a political family.
The girl cried rape as her boyfriend, now her ex, allegedly got her intoxicated and raped her.
SunStar Cebu is withholding their names because both are minors and due to the sensitivity of the matter.
SunStar Cebu reached out to both parties on Tuesday, September 25, for their comment but messages sent to them were not answered as of press time.
Catcalled in the Philippines is a Facebook page providing awareness about sexual assault and supporting survivors.
Victims of sexual assault, harassment, rape and other kinds of sexual violence can get in touch with the following hotlines: Women and Children Protection Desk, Cebu City Police Office at 239 1401. (MCB)