SAFE SPACES ACT OF 2019 (RA 11313)

RA 11313

also known as the "Safe Spaces Act" or the "Bawal Bastos Law",

April 17, 2019

Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the "Safe Spaces Act" or the "Bawal Bastos Law", is a landmark legislation in the Philippines that was enacted on ______

RA 11313

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

RA 11313

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

Ensure the protection of all individuals, create safe inclusive spaces, support victims

Core objectives of RA 11313

sexual harassment

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.

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

Forms of sexual harrassment

Verbal harassment

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

Non-verbal harassment

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

Physical harassment

Inappropriate touching or groping of individuals

Online sexual harassment

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

Public spaces, Workplaces, Educational institutions, Online spaces

Public and private spaces where RA 11313 applies

Verbal Harrassment

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

Physical Harrassment

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

Online Sexual Harrassment

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

Public spaces, Workplaces, Educational Institutions, Online Spaces

RA 11313 applies to a wide range of public and private spaces, which include:

Local Government Units

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.

Educational Institutions

Schools are mandated to establish policies on sexual harassment prevention, create safe spaces for students, and educate students about their rights.

Gender and Development (GAD) officer

Educational Institutions are also required to designate a _______________________to handle complaints related to sexual harassment

Employers

must implement policies that ensure the safety of their employees and create anti-harassment programs.

Gender sensitivity training

The law emphasizes the importance of education in combating sexual harassment. Both public and private institutions are encouraged to:

Provide __________ for their employees and students to promote awareness of sexual harassment.

1000, 5000, 6 months, 1 year

Verbal harassment: A fine of ____ to ____ or a penalty of _______ to _____ of community service.

10,000, 20,000, 1 year

Physical harassment: Penalties include a fine ranging from ______ to ________ and/or imprisonment of up to ____.

6 years

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

gender-based violence and discrimination

RA 11313 is part of the Philippine government’s efforts to address the longstanding issues of __________ ____ _____ _______, particularly towards women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Philippine Development Plan, United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 5

The Safe Spaces Act is aligned with the _____________(PDP) and the _____________________(SDGs), particularly Goal _, which advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls

LGBTQIA2S+

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.