Shattering the Chains: Ending the Cycle of Violence Against Women

 No more silence. No more violence.

     Every day, women face violence in countless forms, often in places where they should feel safest, like their own homes. How many more women have to suffer in silence before we truly listen? How many women must endure pain in silence before we say enough is enough? Violence against women is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a societal issue that demands our attention, action, and commitment. The battle to end such violence is far from over, and it is essential that we continue to support initiatives that protect women and their children from harm.

     The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 (R.A. No. 9262) was introduced to address the deep-rooted issue of domestic violence in the Philippines. For many women and children, violence is a constant, silent struggle that often goes unnoticed or unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of resources. Before the law, victims had little legal recourse, leaving them trapped in abusive situations with nowhere to turn. The VAWC Act was a critical step in providing legal protection, offering tools like protection orders and access to support services that could help survivors break free from the cycle of abuse.

     These laws are vital in offering legal protection to women and children who suffer from physical, psychological, and emotional abuse within intimate relationships, particularly in domestic settings. They recognize that gender-based violence is a public issue that needs comprehensive legislation to combat. The 18-day Campaign aims to raise awareness, inspire collective action, and strengthen the enforcement of such laws to end violence in all its forms.

     The problem exists because of the cultural norms

that promote male dominance and the objectification of women, as well as inadequate enforcement of the law, continue to undermine the effectiveness of the act. In many communities, women are expected to endure hardship or remain silent about their suffering, which can prevent them from seeking help. There is also a troubling lack of consistent enforcement—some authorities still fail to take the law seriously or do not know how to properly handle cases of abuse. As a result, victims are often re-victimized, either by their abusers or by the system that is meant to protect them. This is why we need a stronger, more collective effort to address violence against women and children—not just through the law, but also by changing attitudes, building awareness, and ensuring that survivors know their rights and can access the help they need.

      Laws like R.A. No. 9262 give us a foundation, but true change will come when we address the deeper cultural and systemic issues that allow violence to flourish. This means more education on gender equality, training for law enforcement and social workers, and support networks for survivors who need a way out. The stakes are high, as every woman and child deserves the right to live without fear, to be treated with dignity, and to have access to the resources that can help them rebuild their lives.

    Another significant legal milestone in protecting women is Republic Act 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, which was passed in 2019. This law is specifically designed to address street harassment and other forms of gender-based violence in public spaces. It targets not only physical harassment but also verbal and online abuse. With this act, lawmakers have recognized that safety should not be confined to the home or workplace alone but must extend to every space a woman occupies. Under this law, women are empowered to report harassment, and offenders face penalties for their actions. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring women’s safety and dignity wherever they go.

  Similarly, Republic Act 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, was a pioneering piece of legislation that laid the groundwork for protecting women from unwanted sexual advances in educational and workplace settings. The law defines sexual harassment and establishes clear guidelines for reporting such incidents, providing women with a sense of legal protection in environments where they should feel safe. The implementation of this law signifies the recognition of the need for safe spaces at work and school, where women can thrive without the constant fear of exploitation or harassment.

     

The fight to protect women from violence is not just about passing laws—it’s about creating a culture where women feel safe, valued, and heard. The continuous observance of campaigns like the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, along with robust legal frameworks, are essential steps in building a society where women and children can live without fear of violence. Keeping women safe is not just an obligation; it’s a moral imperative that shapes the future of our communities.

References:

St. Clare’s Medical Center, Inc. (2024, January 9). 18-Day campaign to end violence against women. https://stclaresmedicalcenter.com/18-day-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women-2/

Admin. (2021, November 25). #25N “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.”https://fhitt.org/news/25n-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women/

Better data can prevent violence against women - European Data Journalism Network - EDJNet. (2023, July 26). European Data Journalism Network -EDJNet. https://www.europeandatajournalism.eu/cp_data_news/better-data-can-prevent-violence-against-women/