The transition for being trafficked to the continuing state of prostitution has placed women and
children in situation where they are easily abused physically, sexually, and emotionally. They are
beaten both by the customers, berated by the management whenever they make mistakes, and
scolded by the customers whenever they are not satisfied by their work. They also experienced being
attacked by the wives of their customers. The situation is further aggravated by the discrimination
they experience outside of their work. For instance, Eleonor was accused of stealing a ring in the City
Health office. A police officer forcibly undressed her naked and threaten her to file a case when the
ring is not returned.
Reporting to authorities and Fleeing
Most of the victims of trafficking would not report their situation. Some would not report due to fear
while others would intentionally leave their situation to their own. They would rather talk to their
friends, peers, and live-in partners. Others would only disclose their history of trafficking after
engaging in Talikala activities. Unreported, trafficked women and children would resort to prostitution
to raise money and plan their own escape.
There are several reasons why trafficked women and children do not report that they are trafficked.
They are afraid that they might lose money and that they might be imprisoned. Among minors, they
fear that their parents might know their situation once they report. “Basin kulatahon sa Mama. Wala
nagreport kay mahadlok makabalo ang pamilya kung unsa ang ginahimo pero naay hinala nga naay
idea ang Mama sa kahimtang after nabasahan ang text gikan sa bugaw” (My mother might beat me.
I did not report because I am afraid that my family may know what I am doing but I am also assuming
that my mother has an idea that I am in this situation after reading the text from the pimp). They are
ashamed that their family might know.
For Ryza, she did not report her case because she was also high on drugs when she was trafficked.
They are also afraid that their family may know that they are victimized and are also engaged in
prostitution.
Without any money to pay for her transportation to go back to Davao City and to buy her own food,
Sharon worked for a night, dancing and entertaining men encouraging them to buy the ladies’ drinks
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