Every year, the Philippines joins the global community in observing the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. This year's theme, "Theme of the 2024 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women", highlights the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of violence against women (VAW). In the Philippines, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (VAWC Act) and Republic Act No. 9262 (RA 9262) are crucial laws in protecting women and children from abuse.
The VAWC Act of 2004
The VAWC Act defines violence against women and their children as "any act or series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom the person has a common child; or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
This law provides a comprehensive definition of VAWC, covering a wide range of abusive behaviors, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. It also provides for protective measures for victims, such as restraining orders and temporary protection orders.
RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)
RA 8353 is a law that defines and punishes the crime of rape. It expands the definition of rape to include acts other than sexual intercourse, such as oral sex and anal sex. It also removes the requirement that the victim must be a woman.
RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995)
RA 7877 is a law that prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace, educational institutions, and other work-related or training environments. It defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor, or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature, which:
Submits the recipient of such conduct to unwanted attention, advances, requests for sexual favor, and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature; or Affects the conditions of employment, recruitment, or training of an employee, worker, or student; or Interferes with an employee's, worker's, or student's work or academic performance; or Creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for the employee, worker, or student.
RA 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, is a landmark law that provides comprehensive protection for women and children from all forms of violence. This law defines VAWC and provides for the following:
Protection orders:These orders can be issued by the court to protect victims from further harm.
Penalties:The law imposes stiff penalties on perpetrators of VAWC.
Remedies: Victims can seek various remedies, such as damages and restitution.
Violence against women has devastating consequences for both individuals and society. Victims of VAWC may suffer from physical injuries, mental health problems, and economic hardship. In addition, VAWC can have a negative impact on children, who may witness or experience abuse themselves.
The VAWC Act and RA 9262 are important tools in the fight against violence against women and children. By raising awareness of these laws and encouraging victims to seek help, we can work together to create a safer and more just society for all.
SOURCES
CRISTINA CHI(2023)