SC adopts term 'victim-survivor' in sexual violence cases

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The Supreme Court (SC) has adopted the term “victim-survivor” when referring to individuals who have experienced sexual violence, as it affirmed the conviction of a man for raping his 12-year-old stepdaughter.

In a 15-page decision, the SC’s Third Division said the term acknowledges both the harm inflicted on victims and their continuing dignity.

“This deliberate choice of words recognizes the harm and suffering inflicted while affirming the agency, resiliency, and continuing dignity of those who survive such violence,” it said.

According to court records, the man assaulted the victim outside her uncle’s house in 2018 while everyone was asleep. He then pointed a knife at her and threatened to kill her if she reported the assault.

The victim later told her aunt and uncle about the rape and disclosed that her stepfather had been abusing her since she was nine years old.

Both the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals found the man guilty.

The SC affirmed his conviction and sentence of reclusion perpetua, but deleted the phrase “without eligibility for parole.”

It also ordered him to pay the victim-survivor P450,000 in civil indemnity, moral damages and exemplary damages.

The SC also directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to refer the victim-survivor to the appropriate rape crisis center for necessary assistance.

Such assistance may include psychological counseling, medical and health services, including medico-legal examination, psychological counseling for her family, and programs for her recovery.

The decision, penned by Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao, was promulgated in February 2026 and made public in September 2026.— MCG, GMA News