University of Cebu-Banilad Library

Includes bibliographical references.

"Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) remains a pervasive human rights and public health issue rooted in gender inequality, power imbalances, and entrenched cultural norms. In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9262 mandates barangay-level mechanisms to address VAWC, positioning Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk Officers as frontline responders. However, despite the law's comprehensive framework, the effectiveness of its implementation varies across local contexts, particularly in communities facing resource constraints, limited training, and persistent stigma. This study examines how RA 9262 is operationalized at the Barangay level through the lived experiences of VAW Desk Officers.

Guided by an interpretivist paradigm and grounded in phenomenology and social constructivism, the study employs a qualitative case study design to explore how VAW Desk Officers in the barangays of Apas, Bacayan, Carreta, Hipodromo, and Luz perceive and carry out their roles. Using purposive sampling, VAW Desk Officers with at least one year of experience were selected as key informants. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, field notes, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was applied to capture patterns, meanings, and contextual nuances in policy implementation, institutional coordination, and community interaction. The study revealed that Barangay VAW Desk Officers handle a wide spectrum of VAWC cases that vary in nature, severity, and risk, including physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. These cases require structured intake procedures, careful risk assessment, and trauma-informed responses to ensure victim safety. The findings highlight the critical role of VAW Desk Officers in facilitating Barangay Protection Orders (BPOs), managing high-risk and complex cases, and providing ongoing emotional, social, and protective support to victims. However, case continuity is frequently challenged by victims' decision-making processes, which are influenced by fear of retaliation, emotional attachment, economic dependence, and social stigma. Non-physical and economic abuse cases often require sustained guidance, mediation, and structured support, while sexual violence cases demand strict confidentiality, sensitivity, and trauma-informed handling.

Despite these challenges, the study found that VAW Desk Officers actively engage in inter-agency collaboration, systematic documentation, case monitoring, and community-based prevention and advocacy initiatives to strengthen barangay-level responses to VAWC. Collaboration with agencies such as the PNP-WCPD, DSWD, NGOs, and other stakeholders enables more comprehensive victim assistance. Nevertheless, the findings underscore persistent gaps in training, resources, psychosocial support, and institutional backing, which affect the efficiency and sustainability of Anti-VAWC implementation. By foregrounding the lived experiences of Barangay implementers, the study emphasizes the need for continuous capacity-building, strengthened coordination mechanisms, and localized policy reinforcement to enhance the effectiveness, responsiveness, and ethical grounding of Republic Act No. 9262 implementation at the grassroots level." —Abstract

Adult

Pableo-Borbon, Deniebelle College of Criminology Criminology

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