Womens’ Awareness on the Anti-Violence Againstwomen and Their Children Act of 2004 (R.A. 9262) in barangay Washington, Surigao City

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the Womens’ Awareness on RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence against women and their Children Act in Barangay Washington in Surigao City. This research sought to answer the level of awareness as to Sexual, Psychological or Emotional, Physical and Economic Abuse and also the significant difference when they grouped by age, civil status, educational attainment and occupation. The researcher utilized the descriptive survey design and administered the tool to 227 women household resided in barangay Washington. Based on the results of the study, the following findings were formulated: As to profile, 47 (20.70) aged 26-30 years old; however, the least number was 56-60 years old with four (1.76). As to civil status, married had 121 (53.30); while, divorced had four (4) 1.76. As to educational attainment, college graduate had 102(44.93); while, vocational with 4 or (1.76). As to occupation, majority was employed in public sector 97(42.73). As to the level of awareness on RA 9262, participants were fully aware of the provisions on Sexual Abuse (M: 3.31, SD: 0.91) and aware on the provisions on Psychological and Emotional, Physical, and Economic Abuse. As to significant difference, when participants were grouped by age, there was significant difference on Physical Abuse (p-value 0.017); however, no significant difference on the provisions on Sexual, Psychological/emotional abuse, and Economic Abuse. As to Civil Status, there was no significant difference on the provisions on Sexual, Psychological or Emotional Abuse, Physical, and Economic. As to Educational attainment, there was significant difference on Sexual Abuse ( p-value 0.004); however, no significant difference on the provisions of Psychological or emotional, Physical and Economic Abuse. As to occupation, there was no significant difference on the provisions on Sexual, Psychological or Emotional, Physical and Economic Abuse. Based on the findings of the study, the conclusions were drawn. In brgy.Washington, the women citizens were fully aware of RA 9262 (Anti-Violence against Women and Children) on the provisions of Physical Abuse because they knew that there were corresponding punishments against any person who committed sexual abuse and most reported cases as to records were related to sexual abuse. So assistance by way of giving advice was provided. However, they were only aware on the provisions onPychological or Emotional Abuse, Physical and Economic, even if the barangay and CSWD had documented symposiums conducted; cases related to these were rarely reported to barangay and to CSWD. Recommendations were:the Local Government Unit particularly the City Welfare Development Program in coordination with the barangay officials should ensure that the citizens fully understand the provision of the RA 9262 law particularly on Psychological and Emotional, Physical and Economic Abuse by conducting symposiums during barangay gatherings or activities.