Breaking the Silence: Legal and Social Efforts To End Violence Against Women And Children(Thematic Output)

 

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 and Republic Act (RA) No. 9262 are pivotal laws that address the pervasive issue of violence against women and children in the Philippines. These laws aim to protect women and children from various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological violence, particularly within intimate relationships. The VAWC Act provides victims with vital protective measures such as Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) and Permanent Protection Orders (PPOs), and promotes coordinated efforts across law enforcement, social services, and legal aid. The law acknowledges the multi-dimensional nature of violence and underscores the importance of addressing the impact on children who are exposed to or directly experience abuse.

Among the other significant laws addressing violence against women is RA 8353, known as The Anti-

Rape Law of 1997, which redefined the crime of rape to include not just penile-vaginal penetration but any form of non-consensual sexual act, making the law more inclusive and responsive to modern understandings of sexual violence. It also placed a strong emphasis on consent, ensuring that a victim's lack of consent is central to defining the crime, even without physical resistance. Furthermore, the law introduced protections for victims during the judicial process, such as the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) for testimonies to avoid re-traumatizing victims.

Another crucial law, the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), passed in 2019, targets gender-based violence in public spaces. This law criminalizes street harassment, including actions like catcalling and wolf-whistling, and provides a legal framework to address the widespread issue of harassment in public areas. By acknowledging the prevalence of harassment in spaces where women and LGBTQ+ individuals are vulnerable, the law aims to create safer environments through public awareness campaigns, education, and a commitment from both the government and citizens to reduce such behavior. These laws represent significant strides in the Philippines' efforts to combat violence against women and children, providing both legal recourse and societal tools to address abuse. The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, which coincides with National Women’s Month, serves as an important reminder of the ongoing need to protect the rights of women and children, raise awareness, and work toward a society where violence is no longer tolerated.

Reference:

nysut.org/news/2013/november/renewing-our-commitment-to-end-violence-against-women

https://sl.bing.net/cpIwIWNvLHM

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