Awareness of the Safe Spaces Act Among Citizens in Tarlac Province

Abstract

Global research published on October 16, 2020, by Plan International, indicated an increased and concerning incidence of 68% of girls and young women experiencing online harassment, with 79% receiving threats of sexual violence on social media (Mirador, 2022). The aims of the study were to identify and determine the public awareness of the law to determine whether further education or more stringent enforcement is necessary. In other words, the study looks into how aware Tarlac State University and Tarlac Agricultural University students are and how that awareness could influence their day-to-day lives. Data for this study were gathered using a mixed-methods approach. First, a structured survey was conducted among a varied group of male and female students at the State Universities and Colleges in Tarlac Province to determine students' awareness of the Safe Spaces Act. In-depth interviews with important stakeholders were also conducted in order to collect qualitative data. The result of the study reveals that the residents of Tarlac Province are most likely aware of the Safe Spaces Act. Nevertheless, the results indicate that more needs to be done in terms of education as well as the implementation and enforcement of the laws and policies requirements, especially for those provisions that obtained low marks. It is necessary to increase awareness of this law for it to create and ensure a more secure and inviting atmospheres for all citizens, particularly for women and marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by harassment and violence based on gender.