State of Protection of Women against Violence in Tabuk City

Violence against women committed by their intimate partners is a phenomenon that exists anywhere. Laws were passed to ensure that women were protected from violence. Knowledge of authorities on the laws that protect women is therefore imperative. This study looked into the protection of women against violence in Tabuk City, specifically the modes of violence committed against women; the level of awareness of barangay officials, women-residents and victim-survivors on laws protecting women against violence; and the services mandated by law to be provided to victim-survivors of violence. This study used quantitative and qualitative research designs using a questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide as data-gathering tools. In attaining the objectives, the study involved the 13 barangay officials of the selected urban barangays, 356 women-residents, and 29 victim-survivors of violence in the City. The data gathered from victim-survivors revealed that physical and psychological violence is the most common mode of violence experienced by women in the urban barangays of Tabuk City. Barangay officials, victim-survivors, and women residents are aware of the laws relative to protecting women against violence and the services provided to victim-survivors. Services provided to victim-survivors by barangay officials generally are done not because of the law mandating its provision but because their culture tells them to do so. Further, the barangay officials' awareness of services to be provided to victims-survivors is connected with their comprehension of the law.