As defined by the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993), VAW is any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. It has been one of the issues that not just the Philippines but the world is fighting. Estimates published by WHO indicate that globally, about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. From these data, we can say that there is really a need for the government to strengthen the laws and policies that aim to protect women. As a fellow woman, we must not stay here and watch those women get hurt; it is time for us to make our move and promote the protection of women.
The Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, penalizes any person who committed a series of acts or violence against women and children. This law aims to protect and keep women and children away from danger. This law has been a very helpful law for many women and children in the Philippines. However, despite having such laws in our country, some women and children are still experiencing violence from their husbands or fathers. That is why it is important that the government strengthen this law so that no women or children can be harmed.
Aside from this law, there are also other VAW-related laws. One of which is RA 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995. This states that any form of sexual harassment is punishable by the law. Any sexual act must have consent from both sides; otherwise, it will be considered sexual harassment. Any person who violates the provisions of this Act shall be penalized by imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than six months, or a fine of not less than ₱10,000 nor more than ₱20,000, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.
Another policy is RA 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act. This policy aims to promote gender equality by valuing the dignity and respecting the human rights of every human being. Furthermore, it also recognizes the role of women in nation-building. This policy also prohibits any forms of sexual harassment. Any committed violence against all genders is punishable by law.
In conclusion, there are so many laws and policies that exist to protect women. However, it is also important that the government take into account that implementing such laws is not enough. They still need to strengthen and develop these laws and policies in order to ensure a safe environment for women. Aside from that, it is also important that we participate in the campaign to end violence against women. If we all unite and fight for our rights, we will have a very strong power as women.
References:
Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Violence Against Women. Retrieved from https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women/
World Health Organization. (2024). Violence Against Women. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
Digital Freedom Network. (n.d.). A Summary on Expanded Violence Against Women and Children. Retrieved from https://digitalfreedom.ph/a-summary-on-expanded-violence-against-women-and-children/#:~:text=9262%2C%20otherwise%20known%20as%20the,%2C%20battery%2C%20assault%2C%20coercion%2C
Supreme Court E-Library. (1995). Republic Act No. 7877, February 14, 1995. Retrieved from https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/2826
The LawPhil Project. (n.d.). Republic Act No. 11313. Retrieved from https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html