social barriers include the lack of knowledge of their rights illiteracy lack of information and dependence on male relatives for assistance and resources philippines committee on the elimination of discrimination against women communication no according to the committee it was clear from the judgement that the assessment of the credibility of the complainants version of events was influenced by a number of stereotypes the complainant in this situation not having followed what was expected from a rational and ideal victim or what the judge considered to be the rational and ideal response of a woman in a rape situation in addition to ordering the state party to pay adequate compensation the committee ordered the state to ensure that all legal procedures in cases involving crimes of rape and other sexual offences are impartial and fair and not affected by prejudices or stereotypical gender notions