Advisers

Jinky A. Gutierrez, MSCrim

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (Republic Act 9262) in Barangay San Bartolome. It examined the prevalence of psychological, physical, sexual, and economic violence, identified implementation challenges, and aimed to develop a community intervention program to address underreporting, limited awareness, and weak coordination. ‎A descriptive design was used to gather data on respondents’ demographic profiles and their assessment of different forms of violence. Statistical analysis tested differences based on demographic characteristics. Implementation problems were identified to inform an intervention program. The null hypothesis stated that no significant differences exist in assessments when grouped by demographics. Results indicated that violence was generally perceived as infrequent; however, residents reported higher prevalence compared with service providers. Significant differences in perceptions emerged across respondent groups, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. ‎Major barriers identified included limited awareness of legal protections, fear of retaliation, cultural stigma, delays in protection processes, and economic dependence among victims. The study concluded that while implementation of the law exists, it remains constrained by gaps in awareness, reporting practices, and service coordination. Strengthening community education, improving interagency collaboration, enhancing reporting systems, and providing economic and psychosocial support are essential to improving protection outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive community-based intervention program to reinforce the local implementation of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

Keywords

Policy Implementation, community response, violence against women and children, intervention program, criminological research