The Revitalized KASIMBAYANAN which stands for “Kapulisan, Simbahan at Pamayanan''— a revitalized program that bridges the PNP, the general public, faith-based organizations, and key stakeholders towards peaceful, safe, and protected communities. The PNP Chief, General Rodolfo S Azurin, Jr. sees the altruistic influence of religion in the enrichment of the police organization’s finest culture and traditions of law enforcement as it inscribes into the hearts and minds of PNP members the purest principles of morality. It is where the religious sectors, including the volunteer leaders from various inter-faith-based advocacy groups, are encouraged to help the police nurture relations with the community to bridge the gap between the police and the community.
The Republic Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, is a Philippine law that provides protection for women and children who are victims of violence, particularly domestic violence. This law aims to address the growing concern about violence against women and children in the Philippines and to provide legal remedies for victims of such violence.
The act defines violence against women and their children as any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment, stalking, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
The law provides several forms of protection and support for victims, including the issuance of Temporary Protection Orders (TPO), which can be obtained by the victim without filing a criminal case. TPOs can prohibit the accused from threatening, harassing, or coming near the victim and her children. The law also provides for the filing of criminal cases against the accused, which can result in imprisonment and/or fines.
One of the key features of RA 9262 is that it recognizes the importance of addressing the root causes of violence against women and children, such as gender stereotypes and discriminatory cultural practices. The law requires the government to provide education and information programs to promote gender equality and eliminate all forms of violence against women and children.
In general, the Republic Act 9262 is a considerable improvement in the Philippines' response to violence against women and children. It acknowledges the need for broader societal change to prevent violence against women and children while also providing a legal framework for victim protection and support. Despite this, there are still obstacles to the legislation's execution, such as a shortage of funding, widespread ignorance of the law, and attitudes in society that legitimize violence. However, the adoption of RA 9262 marks a significant first step in addressing this urgent problem and establishing a more secure and just society for women and children in the Philippines.
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