SHEltered Strength (THEMATIC)

 

        Within the silence of broken souls and silent cries lies a storm—a storm of courage, perseverance, and voices longing to break free from the cycle of abuse. Violence against women is not simply a problem; it is a worldwide crisis that destroys futures, crushes dreams, and diminishes dignity. However, there is a ray of hope within this doom: the strength of laws that empower, heal, and protect. We are reminded of the urgency to end the cycles of violence and change the histories of countless lives as we commemorate the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

R.A. 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

       R.A. The Anti-Rape Law of 1997, or 8353, was passed in order to widen and redefine the definition of rape. This law acknowledges that rape is an assault on a person's very dignity in addition to being a physically crime. In order to ensure that more survivors are protected by the law, the definition of rape was expanded under this legislation to include obligation in addition to physical force. The main difference between the old and new standards is the recognition that rape covers any act of sexual penetration or attempted penetration under pressure, not just the conventional type of forced sexual contact. 

        In accordance with R.A. 7877, sexual harassment is illegal, especially when it is perpetrated by someone in a position of control. This includes verbal, physical, and provoking gestures. Employers and school officials are required by law to set up complaint procedures, including committees, to look into and resolve complaints. Because of this institutional accountability, victims can speak up in safe spaces without worrying about retaliation or more harm.

        The legislation enforces harsh punishments on rape convictions. Depending on the circumstances, the criminal may be sentenced to life in prison without a chance of release if proven guilty. Although the death penalty has since been abolished in the Philippines, it may be raised to death in worsened cases, such as those involving great cruelty or victims who are younger than 18 years old. These sanctions send a clear message that the legal system will not put up with such infractions, in addition to acting as a prevention.

R.A. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) 2019

       R.A. The Safe Spaces Act of 2019, commonly referred to as the Bawal Bastos Law, takes a strong stand against harassment in all its manifestations, including online and in real-life situations. This law shields women and the LGBTQ+ community against harassment that too often goes unpunished, including offensive messages sent online and catcalling on the streets. The law guarantees that people can go about their lives without worrying about being harassed or objectified in public places, workplaces, educational institutions, and even online.

    One of the main clauses in R.A. 11313 is focused on gender-sensitive education. Establishing safe spaces, addressing harassment, and educating the public about equality and respect are all encouraged under the law. It aims to alter a mindset of entitlement that encourages harassment by emphasizing awareness and prevention. Unwanted advances—verbal, physical, or digital—are undesirable and will no longer be accepted, according to the law.

    The severity of the offense determines the penalty for violators of this law. Catcalling and public harassment are examples of minor violations that carry a fine of up to ₱1,000, a 30-day jail sentence, or both. Serious crimes including stalking, cyberbullying, or violence can result in fines of between ₱100,000 and ₱500,000 as well as up to six years in jail. These penalties demonstrate the law's dedication to combating harassment promptly and effectively, making sure that those who engage in it suffer the consequences of their conduct.

    These laws—R.A. 8353 as well as R.A. 11313—are more than mere legal protections; they are evidence of the tenacity of survivors and the constant appeal for a world free from violence against women and children. A cause that encourages us all to unite, speak up, and defend the weak, the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is more than just a date on the calendar. Every voice counts, every legislation acts as a barrier, and every brave act has the power to end oppression in the struggle against violence.




References:

https://www.blogger.com/

Republic Act No. 8353: Anti-Rape Law of 1997." LawPhil, 1997,

    https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1997/ra_8353_1997.html

FAQ: Republic Act No. 8353 – An Act Expanding the Definition of Crime and Rape." Philippine

    Commission on Women (PCW), 

    https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-ra-8353-an-act-expanding-the-definition-of-crime-and-rape/

    

Republic Act No. 11313: Safe Spaces Act of 2019." LawPhil, 2019,

    https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html

FAQ: Republic Act No. 11313 – Safe Spaces Act." Philippine Commission on Women (PCW),

    https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-no-11313/

"Empowering Filipina Women Against Domestic Violence."  Pinaywise, 2023,

    https://pinaywise.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/empowering-filipina-women-against-domestic-violence.png

"THE ANTI-RAPE LAW OF 1997" Facebook, 2016, 

    https://tinyurl.com/2a9nwfx8

"Safe Spaces Act Design Campaign: Posters and Stickers"  Women's Legal Bureau, 2022,

     https://wlbonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SSA-1080x675.png