REFLECTION IN RA 9262
(ANTI-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN ACT OF 2004)
“Violence is a disease. You don’t cure a disease by spreading it to more people. “
– Game of Thrones.
Throughout history, men are always viewed as the dominant over women. The role of women are
have often been expected to conform to traditional gender roles, where they were perceived as caretakers,
responsible for domestic tasks, and raising children. These roles sometimes limited their opportunities for
education, employment, and leadership positions. But, being a woman is not just about being a woman.
Women are the backbone of families and communities. There's more to it needed to be seen by our
society. Like the endless love and unconditional sacrifices of our mothers. Who risk their lives and give us a
chance to experience this world. Our sister, aunt, niece, and girlfriends that are always there to support us.
A wife that will love and devote herself to you as her partner in life. Also, a daughter who distresses your
pain. All women play a significant in our society. They deserve to be treasure, protect, and care for lovingly.
As a youth and woman of this humanity, it is frightening to see my fellow teenage girls and women
being disregarded, discriminated against, battered and maltreated even killed. Keeping their situation
behind shadows due to injustice strained by violence. According to the World Population 2023, 49.5% are
female out of 8.1 Billions of people around the world. What's more, 1 in 3 women are being subjected to
physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner across their
lifetime. A number that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade concurring with World Health
Organization (WHO). In addition, it is estimated globally that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years have
experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year. Perpetrated by their parents
or other caregivers, peers, romantic partners, or strangers.
In more recent times, there has been a shift towards greater gender equality and recognition of
women's rights. Many societies now advocate for equal opportunities and treatment for all genders.
However, it's important to note that gender norms and biases can persist in some areas, affecting
perceptions of women and men in different ways.
In the Philippines, there are laws aimed at protecting women against violence. One important law is
the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act" (Republic Act No. 9262). This law addresses
various forms of violence against women, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse. It's
comprehensive provisions and holistic approach underscore its commitment to protecting the rights and
dignity of women and children. It provides protection orders for victims and penalties for perpetrators.
Agreeing with (Jimenez, 2022) it is apparent that it does not acknowledge men that could be also a victims
of domestic violence. Since men are viewed as perpetrators of abuse and women are the usual victims
rather than perpetrators. Although, the Supreme Court ruled that the law doesn't violate the guarantee of
equal protection of laws as there are simply substantial distinctions between women, children, and men.
Nevertheless, we must also need to take into consideration the probability of them being the victim.
Considering the facts of lacking statistical data and reports on male victims of domestic abuse. Moreover, it
had also been perceived that male abuse is to be appearing unmanly in accord to Dr. Sarah Wallace from
USW. It further elaborates that victims of domestic violence and abuse have various reasons for not
complaining to the authorities by both genders. Due to a lack of trust or confidence in the police, shame,
embarrassment, and fear of retaliation, etc. The balance of the scale of genders was not yet set into a
score. Though, it is innate to us humans to aim higher than others. However, all humans have the right to
be valued, loved, and treated as human beings regardless of its gender.
The world suffers a lot not because of the violence of the bad people, but because of the silence of
good people. Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world". As a future educator, I would help spread awareness by incorporating it within the
classroom. Even as a current student, I would participate in campaigns. For instance, campaigns within the
school community that could further reinforce the message of respect and non-violence. Engaging with
legislation like RA 9262 made me realize and reflect on our roles as responsible citizens and advocates for
social change. Because, "Violence cannot be stopped by violence. It has to be stopped by wisdom. Only
wisdom can stop violence" according to Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar a spiritual leader. True love never
takes form in violence and silence. For that reason, deepening, enhancing, and spreading the knowledge
about this law must out-speak loud to the public. Understanding the significance of legal measures in
addressing societal issues, contributes to the broader goal of creating a world where women and children
can live free from violence and discrimination. Where equity is not just equality in humanity.
