Advisers

Eduardo E. Villaruel

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the awareness campaigns and the level of implementation of Republic Act 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act, in Barangay Novaliches, Quezon City. Specifically, it aimed to determine the current state of information dissemination and identify the challenges faced by both the residents and local authorities in enforcing the law. The research sought to answer the level of awareness among respondents regarding the legal framework, law enforcement processes, and information dissemination strategies. Furthermore, it identified common misconceptions held by the community and proposed measures to enhance the existing campaign strategies. The study used the descriptive research method, which is appropriate for describing the current status of a phenomenon. Data were gathered through a structured survey questionnaire administered to 100 residents and local officials within the target barangay. To ensure the reliability of the findings, the researchers employed the Likert scale for assessment, and the gathered data were treated using statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, and weighted mean. The results of the study revealed that while the respondents were “Fully Aware” of the general legal framework of R.A. 11313 (WM=3.58), there was a significant gap in the actual observation of law implementation at the barangay level (WM=3.43). Findings showed that 70% of the respondents mistakenly believed that online sexual harassment is not covered by the law, and 60% thought that physical contact is a requirement for an act to be considered harassment. To address these gaps, the study concluded that passive information dissemination is insufficient. The research proposed an Information Dissemination Plan, which received 100% support from the respondents, focusing on regular community-based seminars, simplified brochures, and intensified digital awareness campaigns to correct misconceptions and empower the community in reporting gender-based sexual harassment cases.

Keywords

legal framework, law enforcement process and procedure, information dissemination