safe spaces act of 2019 (ra. 11313)

Question 1

“Safe Spaces Act” or the “Bawal Bastos Law”, is a landmark legislation in the Philippines that was enacted on.

Answer 1

April 17, 2019

Question 2

This law aims to promote the protection and safety of individuals from sexual harassment in public spaces, educational institutions, workplaces, and other settings.

Answer 2

Republic Act No. 11313 or Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or “Bawal Bastos Law”

Question 3

It specifically targets various forms of gender-based harassment and seeks to create safer, more inclusive environments for all Filipinos, particularly women, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and marginalized groups.

Answer 3

Republic Act No. 11313 or Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or “Bawal Bastos Law”

Question 4

The law extends to both physical and virtual spaces, responding to evolving forms of harassment, including online harassment.

Answer 4

Republic Act No. 11313 or Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or “Bawal Bastos Law”

Question 5

PURPOSE AND INTENT OF RA 11313

Answer 5

The core objectives of the law are:
1. To ensure the protection of all individuals from sexual harassment in public spaces and other places where people typically work or interact.
2. To create safe and inclusive spaces in various environments such as schools, workplaces, and public areas by providing clear guidelines for what constitutes sexual harassment.
3. To support victims by providing avenues for justice and holding perpetrators accountable.

Question 6

was enacted to combat and prevent sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence, particularly in public spaces. The law addresses the need for legal measures to protect individuals from harassment, which often goes unnoticed or unpunished in public places.

Answer 6

Republic Act No. 11313 or Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or “Bawal Bastos Law”

Question 7

KEY PROVISIONS OF RA 11313

Answer 7

A. Definition of Sexual Harassment
B. Scope of the Law
C. Roles and Responsibilities of the Government
D. Penalties for Violations
E. Gender Sensitivity Education

Question 8

defined as any unwelcome, gender-based, and sexually suggestive behavior or action that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. It includes but is not limited to verbal, non-verbal, and physical conduct that is deemed sexual in nature.

Answer 8

RA 11313 defines sexual harassment

Question 9

These actions are classified as a violation of the Safe Spaces Act, even if they are not overtly physical.

Answer 9

• sexist slurs,
• catcalling,
• wolf-whistling,
• inappropriate comments,
• sexually suggestive gestures

Question 10

The law includes various types of sexual harassment, such as:

Answer 10

1. Verbal harassment: Unsolicited comments, remarks, or sexual advances made in person or via technology.

2. Non-verbal harassment: Gestures, body language, or displaying explicit images in a public or shared space.

3. Physical harassment: Inappropriate touching or groping of individuals.

4. Online sexual harassment: Sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos via the internet or mobile communication platforms.

Question 11

Unsolicited comments, remarks, or sexual advances made in person or via technology.

Answer 11

Verbal harassment

Question 12

Gestures, body language, or displaying explicit images in a public or shared space.

Answer 12

Non-verbal harassment

Question 13

Inappropriate touching or groping of individuals.

Answer 13

Physical harassment

Question 14

Sending sexually explicit messages, images, or videos via the internet or mobile communication platforms.

Answer 14

Online sexual harassment

Question 15

Scope of RA 11313

Answer 15

applies to a wide range of public and private spaces, which include:
1. Public spaces: Streets, public transportation, parks, and other public venues.

2. Workplaces: Offices, factories, schools, and other establishments.

3. Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, universities, and other places of learning.

4. Online spaces: Digital platforms, social media, and messaging apps.

Question 16

This broad scope means the law covers various environments where sexual harassment can occur, expanding beyond physical spaces to include online spaces where harassment, such as cyberbullying and online sexual harassment, is increasingly common.

Question 17

Streets, public transportation, parks, and other public venues.

Answer 17

Public spaces

Question 18

Offices, factories, schools, and other establishments.

Answer 18

Workplaces

Question 19

Schools, colleges, universities, and other places of learning.

Answer 19

Educational institutions

Question 20

Digital platforms, social media, and messaging apps.

Answer 20

Online spaces

Question 21

The law( RA 11313) places significant responsibility on the ff to take preventive measures and respond to complaints of sexual harassment.

Answer 21

• local government units (LGUs),
• educational institutions, and
• businesses

Question 22

these are required to ensure that local ordinances align with the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act. They must also establish mechanisms to address complaints and protect victims in their jurisdiction.

Answer 22

Local Government Units (LGUs)

Question 23

are mandated to establish policies on sexual harassment prevention, create safe spaces for students, and educate students about their rights. They are also required to designate a Gender and Development (GAD) officer to handle complaints related to sexual harassment.

Answer 23

Educational Institutions (schools)

Question 24

must implement policies that ensure the safety of their employees and create anti-harassment programs. This includes providing clear guidelines on how to report incidents of harassment and taking prompt action when complaints arise

Answer 24

Employers

Question 25

Penalties for Violations of RA 11313

Answer 25

RA 11313 prescribes penalties for violations based on the severity of the act of sexual harassment: **1. Verbal harassment:** A fine of P1,000 to P5,000 or a penalty of 6 months to 1 year of community service. **2. Physical harassment:** Penalties include a fine ranging from P10,000 to P20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year. **3. Online harassment:** The law also imposes penalties for online harassment, with fines and imprisonment up to 6 years depending on the case.

Question 26

Penalties for Physical harassment:

Answer 26

Penalties include a fine ranging from P10,000 to P20,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 1 year.

Question 26

Penalties for Verbal harassment:

Answer 26

A fine of P1,000 to P5,000 or a penalty of 6 months to 1 year of community service.

Question 27

Penalties for Online harassment:

Answer 27

The law also imposes penalties for online harassment, with fines and imprisonment up to 6 years depending on the case.

Question 28

The law emphasizes the importance of education in combating sexual harassment. Both public and private institutions are encouraged to: - Provide gender sensitivity training for their employees and students to promote awareness of sexual harassment. - Educate individuals about the impact of sexual harassment and the importance of respect in public spaces. This training is aimed at reducing gender-based violence, building a culture of respect, and increasing awareness of the types of behaviors that constitute harassment.

Answer 28

E. Gender Sensitivity Education

Question 29

is part of the Philippine government’s efforts to address the longstanding issues of gender-based violence and discrimination, particularly towards women and LGBTQ+ individuals. The law acknowledges that women, especially in public spaces, often face harassment and violence that hinder their ability to fully participate in society.

Answer 29

Republic Act No. 11313 or Safe Spaces Act of 2019 or "Bawal Bastos Law"

Question 30

The Safe Spaces Act is aligned with the ____________________________________and the ___________________________________________, particularly ___________, which advocates for ____________________________________________. By aiming to eliminate harassment, the law contributes to creating environments where individuals—especially women—can feel safe and respected, leading to better social and economic outcomes.

Answer 30

The Safe Spaces Act is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. By aiming to eliminate harassment, the law contributes to creating environments where individuals—especially women—can feel safe and respected, leading to better social and economic outcomes.

Question 31

The law also recognizes that ______________________ individuals are disproportionately affected by sexual harassment and are often subjected to discrimination or violence due to their gender expression or sexual orientation. By extending protections to these groups, the Safe Spaces Act fosters a more inclusive and respectful society.

Answer 31

The law also recognizes that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals are disproportionately affected by sexual harassment and are often subjected to discrimination or violence due to their gender expression or sexual orientation. By extending protections to these groups, the Safe Spaces Act fosters a more inclusive and respectful society.

Question 32

CHALLENGES AND IMPLEMENTATION of RA 11313

Answer 32

**1. Enforcement:** Local government units and employers may lack the resources or knowledge to properly enforce the law. **2. Reporting mechanisms:** Victims of harassment may be hesitant to report incidents due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, or lack of trust in the legal system. **3. Public awareness:** Despite the law’s wide reach, many people remain unaware of the full scope of what constitutes harassment, particularly online harassment. Efforts to improve public education, strengthen reporting mechanisms, and build support systems for victims will be critical for the law’s continued effectiveness.

Question 33

Local government units and employers may lack the resources or knowledge to properly enforce the law.

Answer 33

Enforcement

Question 34

Victims of harassment may be hesitant to report incidents due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, or lack of trust in the legal system.

Answer 34

Reporting mechanisms

Question 35

Despite the law’s wide reach, many people remain unaware of the full scope of what constitutes harassment, particularly online harassment.

Answer 35

Public awareness