Chapter 6

Exploring the self

Through diverse perspectives
 learning objectives
1 2 3 4
Examine legal frameworks
Assess gender
Analyze the dynamics and Evaluate the prevalence and obstacles in
discrimination in the
effects of domestic and effects of sexual addressing gender-based
workplace and its
violence: harassment and assault: violence and
consequences:
discrimination:
contents
A Domestic Violence

b Sexual Harassment
and Assualt
c Work place Discrimination

d Legal Protection and

Challengense
A. Domestic violence
Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive
behaviors perpetrated by a current or former intimate
partner or family member. These abusive actions can
include physical violence, such as hitting, slapping, or
using weapons; emotional and psychological abuse,
such as verbal threats, humiliation, and controlling
behaviors; and economic abuse, such as restricting
access to financial resources or preventing
employment.
Patterns of control and coercion
Domestic violence typically involves a series of
behaviors intended to exert and maintain power and
control over the victim. Abusers may employ various
tactics, including isolation, financial manipulation, and
threats, to foster an atmosphere of fear and
dependency. Breaking these patterns can be
challenging for victims, who often encounter social
stigma, economic obstacles, and fear of retaliation
when trying to escape abusive relationships.
Patterns of control and coercion
•Using coercion and
•Using isolation
threats
•Using male privilege

•Using intimidation •Using economic

abuse

•Using Children

•Using emotional •Minimizing, denying

abuse and blaming
Causes and Contributing Factors

Societal norms and gender roles

Domestic violence is influenced by a variety of complex societal and cultural

factors, such as gender inequality, inflexible gender roles, and the normalization of
violence. Patriarchal systems that empower men to exert control over women
can help sustain domestic violence. Inflexible gender roles that dictate women's
submissiveness and obedience to their male partners can further hinder victims
from confronting abusive behaviors.
 Causes and Contributing Factors

Impact of culture, socioeconomic status, and substance abuse

Various factors can contribute to domestic violence, including cultural beliefs,

socioeconomic status, and substance abuse. In some cultures, violence may be
perceived as an acceptable method for resolving conflicts or disciplining family
members. Economic challenges, such as poverty, can heighten the risk of
domestic violence, as financial strain can intensify tensions and limit victims'
ability to seek help or leave abusive situations. Additionally, substance abuse,
especially alcohol misuse, is frequently linked to domestic violence, though it is
not a direct cause
 Effects on Victims and Families

Physical and mental health consequences

Domestic violence can have severe and long-lasting consequences for victims'
physical and mental health. Physical abuse can result in injuries, chronic pain, and
even death. Meanwhile, emotional and psychological abuse can lead to
depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem.
Victims may also experience a range of physical symptoms, such as headaches,
gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disturbances.
 Impact on children and familial
relationships
Domestic violence can also have a profound impact on
children who witness or experience abuse within the
family. Children exposed to domestic violence may
experience emotional and behavioral problems, such as
anxiety, depression, and aggression. They may also have
difficulty forming healthy relationships and may be at
increased risk of perpetuating or experiencing abuse in
their own future relationships.
 The cycle of violence

Denial Honeymoon phase

Incident Tension building

Second hand abuse wheel
 Support Systems and Resources

Shelters, hotlines, and counseling services

Victims of domestic violence need access to a range of

support ser-vices, including emergency shelters, hotlines,
and counseling services. These resources can provide
victims with a safe place to stay, crisis intervention, and
support in navigating the legal system and accessing other
resources.
 Support Systems and Resources

Community and legal resources available for victims

In addition to direct support services, victims of domestic

violence need access to community resources and legal
protections. This includes support from family, friends, and
community members, as well as access to legal aid and
the criminal justice system. Laws and policies that protect
vic-tims of domestic violence and hold perpetrators
accountable are also crucial.
B. Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is characterized as any unwanted sexual
advance, solicitation for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical
conduct of a sexual nature made by someone in a position of
authority, influence, or moral superiority over another individual that
often occurs in professional or educational settings (RAINN, 2024).

1. Quid pro quo harassment: This occurs when a sexual favor is

required as a condition for employment, education, or training, or
when refusing such a favor leads to negative consequences.
2. Hostile environment harassment: This happens when sexual
advances create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
atmosphere for an employee, student, or trainee (PCW, 2024;
Baker McKenzie, 2024).
B. Sexual harassment
Statistics on prevalence and reporting

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue in the

Philippines. A study by the Philippine Commission
on Women found that one in five women have
experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.
However, many cases go unreported due to fear of
retaliation, victim-blaming attitudes, and lack of
awareness about legal protections (PWC, 2024).
 Sexual ASSAULT
Sexual Assault: Definitions and Consequences

Legal definitions and distinctions from harassment

Sexual assault is a criminal offense that involves non-consensual

sexual contact, including rape, attempted rape, and unwanted sexual
touching. (Esq. 2023: Baldwin, 2021).

Physical, emotional, and psychological effects on survivors

Survivors of sexual assault may experience a range of physical,

emotional, and psychological effects, including injuries, chronic pain,
PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. (Neelam, 2023:
WCSAP, 2022).
 Sexual VIOLENCE
Cultural and Institutional Factors

The role of power dynamics and societal attitudes Sexual violence is often
rooted in power imbalances and societal attitudes that normalize or excuse
such behavior. In the Philippines, machismo culture and the objectification of
women can contribute to the perpetuation of sexual harassment and assault
(Fiores, 2019)

Impact of media and cultural narratives on perceptions of sexual violence

Media and cultural narratives can shape societal attitudes towards sexual
violence. Victim-blaming attitudes, such as the belief that survivors provoke
or deserve assault, are common in the Philippines and can discourage
reporting and hinder access to support services (Malig, 2021; Modem Filipina,
2021).
PREVENTION AND ADVOCACY
Strategies for Prevention and Education

1. Comprehensive sexuality education in schools

2. Workplace training on sexual harassment
prevention
3. Public awareness campaigns challenging rape
myths and victim-blam-ing attitudes (WHO,
2023, UNESCO, 2023)
4. Role of advocacy groups and movements (e.g..
#MeToo)
 C. Work discrimination
Workplace discrimination refers to unfair treatment of employees based on their
gender. This can manifest in various forms, including:

1. Hiring Discrimination: Women may face biases during the hiring process, where
employers might favor male candidates due to stereotypes about women's
capabilities or commitment to work.
2. Promotion Discrimination: Women are often overlooked for promotions in favor
of their male counterparts, even when they possess similar qualifications and
experience. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "glass ceiling," which
prevents women from advancing to higher positions within organizations.
3. Pay Discrimination: The gender pay gap is a significant issue, with women in the
Philippines earning approximately 18.4% less than their male counterparts for the
same roles. This disparity is often attributed to a combination of factors, including
occupational segregation and biases against women in higher-paying fields
LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND PROTECTION
In the Philippines, several laws aim to address workplace
discrimination, including:
1. Labor Code of the Philippines: This code prohibits discrimination
against women in employment and mandates equal pay for equal
work.
2. Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877): This law provides a
framework for addressing sexual harassment in educational and
workplace settings, requiring employers to establish policies and
procedures for reporting and addressing harassment.
3. Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710). Enacted in 2009, this
comprehensive law promotes gender equality and safeguards and
protects women's rights in various sectors, including employment.
LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND PROTECTION
Case studies highlighting legal battles and outcomes

Case studies illustrate the challenges and successes in

addressing workplace discrimination through legal means. For
instance, in a landmark case, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled in
favor of a female employee who faced discrimination and
harassment in her workplace, reinforcing the importance of legal
protections for women. Despite these legal frameworks,
enforcement remains a challenge. Many women still face barriers in
accessing justice, including societal stigma and a lack of support
from employers (G.R. No. 217414, 2022; G.R. No. 128845, 2000; G.R.
No. 190582, 2010).
LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND PROTECTION
Impact on Career Advancement and Mental Health

Consequences of discrimination on job satisfaction and performance

Workplace discrimination can significantly impact job satisfaction and
performance. Women who experience discrimination may feel
undervalued, leading to decreased motivation and productivity. This can
result in higher turnover rates, as affected individuals seek more
equitable work environments (Ruebeck, 2022).
In the Philippines, studies have shown that gender discrimination
contributes to lower job satisfaction among women, particularly in
male-dominated industries. The lack of representation in leadership
roles further exacerbates these feelings of exclusion.
LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND PROTECTION
Creating Inclusive Work Environments

To foster an inclusive work environment, employers can implement several best

practices, including:
1. Establishing clear anti-discrimination policies: Organizations should create and
enforce policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination and harassment, ensuring
that all employees are aware of their rights.
2. Implementing gender-sensitive hiring and promotion practices. employers
should adopt practices that promote diversity in hiring and ensure that
promotion criteria are equitable and transparent.
3. Providing flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible work options can help
assists employees with caregiving responsibilities, which disproportionately
affect women (Vantage Circle, 2024; Tulane Uni-versity, 2024; Shoosmiths,
2024).
LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND PROTECTION
Importance of training and awareness programs

Training and awareness programs are crucial for promoting

gender equity in the workplace. These programs can educate
employees about unconscious biases, the importance of
diversity, and the legal rights of workers. In the Philippines,
initiatives such as the Philippine Commission on Women's
Gender and Development (GAD) programs aim to raise
awareness about gender issues in the workplace and provide
resources for organizations to implement gender-responsive
policies.
D. Legal protection
prepared by: Joelimie Ganados

National and international laws addressing gender-based

violence and discrimination Legal protections against gender-
based violence and discrimination are crucial for promoting
gender equality and safeguarding the rights of indi-viduals. In
the Philippines, several national laws address these issues:

Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (Republic

Act No. 9262)

Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710)

Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313)

Anti-Violence Against Women and Their
Children Act (Republic Act No. 9262)

What is RA9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and

Their Children Act of 2004?
It is a law the seeks to address the prevalence of violence against women and their
children (VAWC) by their intimate partners like their husband or ex-husband, live-in
partner or former live-in partner, boyfriend/girlfriend or ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend,
dating partner or former dating partner.
Enacted in 2004, this law provides comprehensive protection for women and
children against various forms of violence, including physical, emotional, and
economic abuse.
Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710)

What is Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710)?

The Magna Carta of Women (MCW) is a comprehensive women’s human rights
law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection,
fulfillment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those
belonging to the marginalized sectors of society.
Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) This landmark legis-lation,
passed in 2009, aims to eliminate discrimination against women and promote
their rights in various sectors, including employment, education, and health.
Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313)

what is safe spaces act ra no. 11313

Safe Spaces Acr or also known as Bawal Bastos Law
Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313) was Implemented in 2019, this law
addresses gender-based harassment in public spaces and work-places,
mandating the creation of policies to prevent and respond to such incidents.

The law covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH)

committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplace, as
well as online space.
Role of organizations and treaties

Organizations and treaties play a critical role in advocating for women's rights and holding
governments accountable for implementing legal protections. CEDAW, adopted by the
United Nations in 1979, provides a comprehensive framework for addressing gender
discrimination and has been instrumental in shaping national policies in the Philippines.
Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Philippines, such as GABRIELA and
the Philippine Commission on Women, actively advocate for women's rights and work to
ensure that legal protections are effectively enforced. These organizations provide support
services, raise aware-ness, and push for legislative reforms to address gaps in existing
laws.
Challenges in Legal Enforcement

Barriers to reporting and seeking justice

Despite existing legal protections, many victims of gender-based violence face significant barriers to reporting incidents.
and seeking justice. Common challenges include:

Fear of Retaliation: Victims may fear further violence or retaliation from their abusers if they report incidents to authorities.

Stigma and Shame: Cultural attitudes that blame victims for the violence they experience can discourage individuals from
coming for-ward.

Lack of Awareness: Many victims are unaware of their legal rights and the resources available to them, which can prevent
them from seeking help (Western, 2024; Ssanyu. Namuhani & Nalwadda, 2022; Health Cluster, 2021).

In the Philippine context, these barriers are compounded by societal norms that prioritize family unity and discourage women
from speaking out against abuse
Limitations of existing laws and legal
systems
While the Philippines has made significant strides in enacting laws to protect women, challenges remain
in their implementation. Limitations in-clude:

Inconsistent Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies may lack the training or resources necessary to
effectively enforce laws related to gender-based violence.

Judicial Delays: The judicial system can be slow and cumbersome, leading to prolonged legal battles
that discourage victims from pursuing justice.

Cultural Bias: Gender biases within the legal system can result in victim blaming attitudes and
inadequate responses to cases of violence (Mabutas, 1992; 3ie, 2021, Orbeta, Paqueo & Siddiqi, 2021).
Advocacy for Legal Reform
Importance of grassroots movements and policy advocacy
Grassroots movements and policy advocacy are essential for driving legal reform and promoting gender equality. Organizations
like GABRIELA and other women's rights groups in the Philippines work tirelessly to raise awareness about gender-based
violence and advocate for stronger legal protections. These movements have been instrumental in pushing for legislative
reforms, such as the Safe Spaces Act, and have mobilized communities to demand accountability from government officials and
law enforcement agencies.

Case studies of successful legal reforms and their impact

One notable case of successful legal reform in the Philippines is the passage of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710). This law
has led to the establishment of several programs aimed at promoting women's rights and addressing gender-based violence.
For example, the law mandates the creation of local women's desks in police stations to provide support and resources for
victims of violence. Another significant reform is the Safe Spaces Act (RA 113130), which has led to increased awareness of
gender-based harassment and the implementation of policies to address such behavior in workplaces and public spaces.
Future Directions for Legal Protections

Emerging issues in gender-based violence and discrimination

As societal norms evolve, new issues related to gender-based violence and discrimination are emerging, These
include:

Online Harassment: The rise of digital technology has led to increased instances of online harassment and
cyberbullying, particularly against women and marginalized groups

Intersectionality: Understanding how multiple identities (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation)
intersect to affect individuals" experiences of violence and discrimination is crucial for developing effective legal
protections (Fredman, 2016; cho, Crenshaw & McCall, 2013).

Recommendations for improving legal responses and protections

To enhance legal protections against gender-based violence and dis-

crimination, several recommendations can be made:

Strengthening Law Enforcement Training: Providing comprehensive training for law enforcement officials on gender sensitivity and
the dynamics of domestic violence can improve the response to incidents of violence.

Increasing Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help educate communities about gender-based violence, legal
protections, and available resources for victims.

Enhancing Support Services: Expanding access to support services, such as shelters, counseling. and legal aid, can empower victims
to seek help and navigate the legal system.

Promoting Gender-Sensitive Policies: Encouraging the adoption of gender-sensitive policies in all sectors can help address the root
causes of gender-based violence and discrimination (COE, 2024, OECD, 2023). By addressing these emerging issues and, adopting and
implementing these recommendations, the Philippines can continue to advance gender equality and enhance legal protections for all
individuals
 By addressing these emerging issues and, adopting and
implementing these recommendations, the Philippines can
continue to advance gender equality and enhance legal
protections for all individuals
thank you!!!
GROUP 6
Cherry Jean Jampayas
Marie Carl Gonzaga
Joelimie Ganados