ASSESSING AWARENESS, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORAL IMPACT OF THE SAFE SPACES ACT AMONG FILIPINO ADULTS

ANA DIGI M. PAUYA

Abstract


The Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) was enacted to protect individuals from gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, online platforms, and educational institutions. This study examined the awareness, attitudes, and behavioral impact of RA 11313 among teachers in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat using a descriptive–correlational design. Data were collected from 200 teachers through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Findings revealed high levels of awareness with an overall mean of 4.187 and a standard deviation of .747, described as a high level; positive attitudes with an overall mean of 4.196 and a standard deviation of .754, described as a high level; and strong behavioral compliance with an overall mean of 4.205 and a standard deviation of .748, described as a high level. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between awareness and behavioral impact with a correlation coefficient of .652 and a p-value of .013, while attitudes were not significantly related to behavior with a correlation coefficient of .025 and a p-value of .723. The study concluded that awareness is a stronger predictor of compliance than attitudes, highlighting the need for continuous training and information dissemination. It recommends integrating RA 11313 into teacher education programs and institutional policies to promote safe and inclusive learning environments.

Keywords


Safe Spaces Act, RA 11313, teacher awareness, attitudes, behavioral impact, gender-based harassment, descriptive-correlational study, Philippines.

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.65010/seairj.v7i4.308

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