A MIXED METHOD STUDY ON AWARENESS OF VAWC AND SHARI'AH LAWS AND WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES IN SULU

Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) remains one of the most persistent human rights concerns across the globe. It damages the dignity, security, and health of countless women and children. Although legal instruments have been developed at both international and national levels, the enforcement of these laws in certain localities, particularly those characterized by religious and cultural diversity, remains inconsistent. For this reason, this study examines this challenge within the context of Sulu, where both Philippine Civil Law (Republic Act No. 9262) and Shari’ah Law (Presidential Decree No. 1083) coexist. It explores the awareness of women regarding these laws, their lived experiences of violence, and the social and institutional barriers that influence their pursuit of justice.