𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝'𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧: 𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒3𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞

Kara David’s documentary Kapalit ng Katahimikan (In Exchange for Silence) for I-Witness quickly caught the attention of viewers and became a trending topic on social media after it aired. It tackles one of the darkest issues in our society—sexual abuse—and puts a spotlight on the stories of three young women from Maguindanao, each enduring unimaginable pain in the aftermath of their assault.  

One of the most harrowing stories is that of a mentally disabled girl who was raped by her own uncle. In an attempt to "settle" the matter, the tribal council recommended that the victim’s family accept compensation. In this case, they were given a horse and P6,000—an amount that seems so trivial and insulting when weighed against the gravity of her suffering. Sadly, the abuse didn’t end there. She was raped again, this time by a neighbor, and after becoming pregnant, the tribal council suggested she marry her rapist to "save face" for the family. This part of the documentary leaves you with an overwhelming sense of anger at how cultural practices can sometimes silence victims rather than protect them.

 

In another tragic case, two young girls, aged 5 and 10, were also sexually abused by their uncle. While the tribal council again proposed a settlement, the family chose to seek justice in mainstream courts, which ultimately led to the abuser's imprisonment. This case contrasts the two paths victims can take—settlement versus legal action—both filled with emotional and societal struggles, but one offering at least a semblance of justice. 

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Throughout the documentary, Kara David expresses her dismay at how these cases are handled by the tribal councils. I can sense her frustration with how "cultural traditions" seem to override human dignity and justice. While it’s important to respect cultural practices, there’s no denying that sexual abuse is a crime, and any form of settlement that undermines the victim’s right to justice only perpetuates the cycle of violence. The tribal council, as shown in the documentary, views itself as a mediator, acknowledging that victims can still go to mainstream courts if they seek more formal justice—but this option often feels like a distant possibility for many families.

David's narration strikes a powerful chord. She openly shares the emotional toll this documentary took on her, saying it was one of the most difficult pieces she’s ever written. "I remember having to stop at some points because I just needed to cry and get angry," she admits, and as a viewer, it’s hard not to feel the same. The documentary avoids overdramatizing these stories, which makes them even more painful to watch. Instead, the victims’ voices are amplified, their stories allowed to unfold in all their rawness and devastation.

One of the most gut-wrenching moments is when David reads aloud the testimonies of the victims. She pauses, visibly shaken by the details she’s forced to share—though she spares us the most graphic elements. It’s these pauses, these silences, that are sometimes more haunting than words.

As a man, it’s impossible for me to truly understand the suffering these women endure, but as a human being—and especially as someone who cares deeply for the safety and dignity of others—it’s enraging. Every time I hear stories like these, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of anger, especially when I think about how often men in our society casually make misogynistic remarks as if these real-life horrors don’t exist. It’s beyond troubling.

The statistics shared in Kapalit ng Katahimikan are chilling. According to the documentary, the Philippine National Police reported in 2023 that a woman is raped every hour in the country. And globally, a 2024 report by the World Health Organization revealed that one in three women experiences some form of physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. These aren’t just numbers—they represent real women whose voices often go unheard, who are silenced by fear, shame, and societal pressures. Many are unable to pursue justice simply because the cost of litigation is too high.

Despite laws aimed at protecting women, barriers to justice persist. Deeply rooted patriarchal norms continue to dominate, and victim-shaming remains rampant. But the documentary offers a glimmer of hope toward the end, highlighting the work of social workers in Maguindanao who are dedicated to helping survivors of abuse. These social workers provide emotional support, legal assistance, and access to resources that victims might otherwise never receive. Their work may seem like just a small piece of the puzzle, but for many women, it makes all the difference in the world.

Kapalit ng Katahimikan is a powerful and important documentary because it amplifies the stories of those who have been silenced for too long. The tribal council may represent a larger, patriarchal structure that silences women in exchange for "peace," but the social workers stand as symbols of hope and justice. Their fight may seem like an uphill battle, but in a society complicit in the silence, even small victories are monumental.

This documentary isn’t just a story—it’s a call to action. We can’t keep allowing this silence to continue. We owe it to these women, to all women, to demand justice, respect, and protection for their rights.