Violence Against Women (VAW) is a prevalent social and health issue that is experienced by thousands of women across the globe which can have lifelong effects on victims. In response to the increasing prevalence of VAW, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) annually leads the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.
In support of this campaign, the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Committee, conducted a VAW orientation to its employees on December 18, 2024.
DOH Bicol CHD’s Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Rosa Maria B. Rempillo, encouraged the participants to internalize and share the knowledge gained during the orientation. “Let us advocate for a VAWC office. Let us look after each other,” Dr. Rempillo said in her message.
The orientation, led by resource speaker Atty. Zenith Abinal-Baria, aimed to educate participants on the various forms of VAW, its detrimental impacts, and the legal framework protecting victims. A key part of the session focused on the discussion of two vital laws: Republic Act No. 11313 (the Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos Law”) and Republic Act No. 9262 (the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004).
Atty. Abinal-Baria elaborated on RA 11313 which seeks to protect individuals from gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) in public spaces, workplaces, educational institutions, and online platforms. The law covers a wide range of behaviors, including unsolicited sexual advances and comments. Atty. Abinal-Baria stressed that acts such as catcalling and any unwelcome sexual remarks—regardless of the victim’s gender—are punishable under this law.
She also discussed RA 9262, which specifically addresses the prevalence of violence committed by intimate partners, highlighting that VAWC is a public crime punishable by law, with sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment. Atty. Abinal-Baria urged participants to take action and immediately report any instances of VAWC, emphasizing the commitment of government agencies and partner organizations to support and protect victims.
In line with the theme of the campaign, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras,” DOH Bicol CHD reaffirmed its commitment to creating a VAWC-free, Bagong Pilipinas, where respect, dignity, and safety are upheld for women and children. Through this orientation, DOH Bicol CHD takes an important step in fostering an environment of awareness, empowerment, and collective action against violence. (DOH5/NRB)
(Source: DOH Bicol CHD)