Breaking the Silence

  Philippine Laws Against Violence

         

The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, or Republic Act No. 9262, is a key law in the Philippines designed to combat various forms of abuse against women and children, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. It provides victims with legal protection through measures such as protection orders, shelters, legal help, and counseling services.

          Every year, from November 25 to December 12, the country observes the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. This campaign emphasizes the importance of R.A. No. 9262, along with other laws that address violence against women and children. It raises awareness, encourages public education, and promotes actions to prevent such violence. The campaign also highlights progress made and urges continued efforts from all sectors of society to eliminate violence.

          Two laws related to violence against women stand out: the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (R.A. 8353) and the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 (R.A. 11313).

RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

    This law redefines rape as a crime against a person’s dignity, not just a crime against chastity. It acknowledges the deep emotional and psychological harm rape causes. It also introduced the concept of marital rape, ensuring that women are protected from abuse within marriage as well.

          The law outlines procedures for prosecuting rape cases and includes stricter penalties for offenders. It also requires the establishment of crisis centers to support victims with medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) in 2019

          Commonly known as the "Bawal Bastos Law," this law targets gender-based harassment in public and private spaces, including workplaces, schools, and online environments. It expands the legal protections for victims and holds offenders accountable for harassment regardless of the setting.

          The law defines specific types of gender-based harassment and sets penalties for offenders. It requires public and private institutions to adopt policies, raise awareness, and create systems for reporting and addressing complaints. It also encourages bystanders to step in and help prevent harassment.

          These laws, together with R.A. No. 9262, are essential in protecting women and children from violence. They form a strong legal foundation for supporting victims and ensuring justice, contributing to the broader goal of creating a society that is safe and free from violence and discrimination.

References

•  Republic of the Philippines. (2004, March 8). Republic Act No. 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Official Gazette of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2004/03/08/republic-act-no-9262/

•  Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. Retrieved from https://pcw.gov.ph

• Republic of the Philippines. (1997). Republic Act No. 8353: The Anti-Rape Law of 1997. Retrieved from https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8353_1997.html

• Republic of the Philippines. (2019). Republic Act No. 11313: Safe Spaces Act. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2019/04apr/20190417-RA-11313-RRD.pdf

• Republic of the Philippines. (2004). Republic Act No. 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. Retrieved from https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9262_2004.html

• StudyPool. (2021). Anti-violence against women and their children presentation. Retrieved from https://www.studypool.com/documents/4393615/anti-violence-against-women-and-their-children-presentation

• Gota de Leche. (2022, November 3). Safe spaces act: Bawal bastos law. Retrieved from https://www.gotadeleche.ph/safe-spaces-act-bawal-bastos-law

• YouTube. (2019, July 17). IEffqt4QLX8 [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEffqt4QLX8