Ending the Cycle of Violence: Advocacy for Women Rights and Safety

https://hapihumanist.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/0-27A0pIZ9kS7BCV5N-.jpg

The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, or Republic Act Number 9262, defines violence against women and their children in such types as physical, sexual, psychological, and even economic abuse. This is an emergence of legal mechanisms, including protection orders that serve as immediate safeguards against violence for victims. The law further guarantees accountability of perpetrators and provision of access to survivors to support systems such as legal aid and social services. The importance of the Republic Act No. 9262 is that it views gender-based violence as, somehow, part of a system, hence emphasizing the role of the state in protecting the rights and dignity of women.

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/styles/content_media/public/content-media/5455-asia-ending-violence-against-women-feature-01.jpg?itok=Y-CUpUWp

Thus, Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, speaks against rape as a crime against a person and not just against chastity. Consent is also emphasized, in that any sexual act performed without voluntary consent becomes a violation. The law attempts to comprehend the significant dimensions of sexual violence and allows victims to seek justice.

Another act is Republic Act 11313 or Bawal Bastos Law (Safe Spaces Act), which basically tackles the issue of gender-based sexual harassment in public areas, workplaces, and online platforms. This Act criminalizes catcalling, wolf-whistling, intrusive gazing, and online harassment, and makes them punishable under the law with accountability of the offenders. The Bawal Bastos Act widens the meaning of what constitutes harassment and creates safer places where everyone gets respected, irrespective of gender.

The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women aims at advocating for such laws by breaking gender-based public ignorance.

https://cdn.tatlerasia.com/tatlerasia/i/2022/04/29092448-gen7-babaeako-movement-2018-06-08-23-03-46_cover_800x534.jpg