OVERVIEW OF THE PHILIPPINE LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO ELIMINATE VAW Atty. Ray Paolo J. Santiago

What is Violence Against Women (VAW)? Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. -UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Republic Act No. 9710, Magna Carta of Women

What is Violence Against Women (VAW)? Any act or a 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 he has a common child, within or without the family abode, which result 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. - Republic Act No. 9262, Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004

In what context can VAW occur? In the family Within the general community As perpetrated or condoned by the State

Examples of Acts of Violence Against Women and Their Children Causing, threatening or attempting to cause physical harm to the woman or her child Threatening to deprive or actually depriving custody Depriving or threatening to deprive financial support legally due Deliberately providing insufficient financial support

Examples of Acts of Violence Against Women and Their Children Preventing the woman in engaging in any legitimate profession, occupation, business or activity Controlling the victim’s own money or properties Solely controlling the conjugal or common money, or properties Causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation such as repeated verbal and emotional abuse

Framework in the Philippines to Address VAW Protection Orders  Barangay Protection Order (BPO), Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and Permanent Protection Order (PPO) Within the next 5 years (2014), increase in recruitment and training of service-providers – 50% shall be women (police force, forensics and medico-legal, legal services and social work) Protection and security in situations of armed conflict and militarization Establishment of VAW Desk in every barangay

Framework in the Philippines to Address VAW Mediation is not allowed Mandatory Programs and Services for Victims  temporary shelters, counseling, psycho-social services, rehabilitation programs, livelihood assistance, medical services Women affected by disasters, calamities and other crisis situations  Gender perspective Participation and Representation (public and private)  Affirmative action

Framework in the Philippines to Address VAW Right to Health – comprehensive health services Portrayal of Women in Media and Film (dignity and role) Protection of senior citizens from neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Regional and International Mechanisms ASEAN  Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in ASEAN  ASEAN Committee on Women  ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children International  UN WOMEN  CEDAW Committee  UN and other related agencies

Maraming Salamat Po!