WOMEN’S AWARENESS ON AVAWC (R.A. 9262) AS BASIS FOR RIGHTS INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AT BARANGAY HOLY SPIRIT, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Awareness is the ability to recognize and understand one’s thoughts, emotions, and surroundings. It plays a crucial role in guiding individuals through daily life, helping them make informed decisions and interact effectively with others. In the context of societal issues such as discrimination, sexism, and abuse—both physical and emotional—awareness becomes even more vital. Women and children who are subjected to violence often endure emotional trauma, anxiety, and various physical injuries. Promoting awareness of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) is essential in supporting victims and preventing further abuse. However, despite continued efforts to address VAWC, many women remain unaware of their rights, resulting in numerous cases going unreported. Digital platforms such as online legal resources and social media campaigns offer powerful tools for raising awareness and educating a broader audience about VAWC and the importance of seeking help. This chapter outlines the methodological framework of the study, detailing the research design, target respondents, sampling method, data-gathering instrument, procedures for validating the instrument, the process of distribution and collection, and the statistical techniques applied for data analysis. This chapter presents the data collected by the researchers, along with their corresponding analysis and interpretation through tabular presentations. It covers the respondents' demographic profile, the results derived from the survey questionnaire, and the statistical methods employed in analyzing the data. The majority of the respondents were aged 34 to 41, college graduates, and residents of Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. Participants—including residents, barangay officials, and police officers—strongly agreed on the importance of raising women's awareness of the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act (R.A. 9262) as a foundation for an effective information dissemination program on women’s rights. High levels of agreement were observed in the areas of program planning, implementation, and operational procedures for handling VAWC cases. The most significant challenge identified was the fear of retaliation when discussing or reporting VAWC incidents. To address this issue, it is recommended that increased funding and government support be provided to strengthen VAWC awareness initiatives within the community.