Minor's Rights: A Must-Read for those under 18
I read about a minor cosplay participant whose picture was posted in a couple of NC-17 sites. It seems like situations like this have been cropping up everywhere. I would like to clarify the mistaken notion that child abuse is only physical abuse (so the I-didn't-lay-a-hand-on-her-defense doesn't wash). Psychological abuse and emotional maltreatment of a person below 18 years old is also child abuse. Making a child wear certain clothing to parade around in for pedophiles to ogle is abuse (even if it's just school girl outfits or sailor suits). Calling children names and demeaning them is abuse. Bullying is child abuse. The law is pretty comprehensive on the matter:
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER DETERRENCE AND SPECIAL PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES x x x
"Child abuse" refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child which includes any of the following:
(1) PSYCHOLOGICAL and physical ABUSE, neglect, CRUELTY, sexual abuse and EMOTIONAL MALTREATMENT;
(2) ANY ACT BY DEEDS OR WORDS WHICH DEBASES, DEGRADES OR DEMEANS THE INTRINSIC WORTH AND DIGNITY OF THE CHILD AS A HUMAN BEING; x x x x
That is six years to one month in the slammer. For only the criminal aspect of the offense. And the prison etiquette for child molesters is the same here as in the States, I hear.
Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance herewith.
On a lighter note, those people with significant others under 18 may want to be extra careful. ^_~
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER DETERRENCE AND SPECIAL PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES x x x
"Child abuse" refers to the maltreatment, whether habitual or not, of the child which includes any of the following:
(1) PSYCHOLOGICAL and physical ABUSE, neglect, CRUELTY, sexual abuse and EMOTIONAL MALTREATMENT;
(2) ANY ACT BY DEEDS OR WORDS WHICH DEBASES, DEGRADES OR DEMEANS THE INTRINSIC WORTH AND DIGNITY OF THE CHILD AS A HUMAN BEING; x x x x
That is six years to one month in the slammer. For only the criminal aspect of the offense. And the prison etiquette for child molesters is the same here as in the States, I hear.
Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance herewith.
On a lighter note, those people with significant others under 18 may want to be extra careful. ^_~