As part of its continuous commitment to upholding women鈥檚 rights and combating violence against women, 每日大赛网址首页进入 (CvSU) through Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC) successfully conducted a webinar titled 鈥淯pholding Women鈥檚 Rights: Legal Perspectives on Violence Against Women鈥� on December 11, 2025, via Facebook Live and Zoom videoconferencing.
The webinar aimed to raise awareness of the issues surrounding violence against women and children (VAWC), including its causes, consequences, and societal impact, while educating participants on the legal framework addressing these concerns, particularly Republic Act No. 9262 or the 鈥淎nti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.鈥� It also sought to promote a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-government organizations, and community leaders, in addressing VAWC. Additionally, the program aimed to empower women and communities by providing information on available services, reporting mechanisms, and support systems for VAWC victims, and to engage participants in meaningful discussions that offered practical strategies for preventing and addressing VAWC within their respective communities.
To formally open the webinar, Atty. Ross Camille P. Salazar, OIC Director of the Legal Services Office (LSO), delivered the opening message. She emphasized the importance of understanding not only the letter of the law but also the spirit behind it, underscoring that every woman has the right to live safely, with dignity, and free from any form of violence. She further stated that the webinar aimed to explore the legal protections and remedies available under existing laws and to reflect on how employees, faculty members, and students can contribute to creating a campus environment that respects and upholds women鈥檚 rights. She also extended her congratulations to the GADRC team for continuously championing gender awareness and for organizing meaningful initiatives. Lastly, she reminded the participants that the webinar was not merely an information session but also a call for everyone to uphold human rights and stand against all forms of violence.
The discussion was led by Atty. Michelle Alen O. Callo-Alejo, Attorney IV of the Commission on Human Rights 鈥� Region V, who provided an in-depth and comprehensive discussion of the legal framework protecting women and children from various forms of abuse. The session thoroughly explained the meaning of VAWC, emphasizing that it encompasses any act or series of acts resulting in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm, whether committed within or outside the family abode. Key definitions under the law were clarified, including dating relationships and sexual relations, stressing that protection under RA 9262 applies regardless of marital status and extends even to women involved in non-marital or illicit relationships, as supported by recent Supreme Court rulings.
The presentation further highlighted that the law protects women without discrimination and covers children below eighteen (18) years of age, including those who are incapable of taking care of themselves and other children under the victim鈥檚 care. It also addressed common misconceptions by explaining that while RA 9262 primarily protects women and children, women and other individuals may likewise be held liable in cases involving conspiracy or abuse against children. The different acts of violence covered by the law鈥攑hysical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse鈥攚ere discussed in detail, supported by practical examples and relevant case law, including rulings that recognize marital infidelity as psychological violence and clarify when failure to provide financial support constitutes economic abuse.
The webinar also outlined the essential elements in determining VAWC cases, identified who may file complaints given that VAWC is considered a public crime, and specified the proper venues and prescriptive periods for filing cases. Remedies available to victims, such as the filing of criminal actions and applications for protection orders, as well as corresponding penalties including imprisonment, fines, and mandatory counseling, were emphasized. In addition, important provisions on the prohibition of barangay mediation, custody of children, battered woman syndrome as a defense, confidentiality of records, and the ten-day paid leave benefit for women employees who are victims of VAWC reinforced the State鈥檚 commitment to safeguarding the dignity, rights, and welfare of women and children while promoting awareness, accountability, and access to justice.
To formally conclude the webinar, Ms. Elaine Louise P. Soringa, GAD Coordinator of LSO, delivered her closing message where she emphasized the significance of the comprehensive discussion on RA 9262 delivered by Atty. Michelle, highlighting the law鈥檚 vital role in protecting women and children and the shared responsibility of all sectors in ending violence. She stressed that while legal frameworks exist, violence continues to persist, making collective vigilance and action essential. Ms. Soringa encouraged the public to speak up, report cases of abuse, and support victims, reminding participants that assistance is accessible through VAWC hotlines and Barangay VAW Desks nationwide. She underscored that creating a safe home is the foundation of a society built on respect, equality, and love, and called on participants to use their knowledge of RA 9262 as both protection and guidance in their daily lives. Concluding her message, she urged everyone to sustain the spirit of the 18-Day Campaign by committing to end violence against women every single day.
Ms. Ellaine E. Todoc, Public Information Officer of GADRC served as the moderator of the webinar.
