3rd Floor Jasaca Center, Highway 1

San Miguel, Iriga City, Camarines Sur

Senior High school Department

An In-depth Exploration of the Long-term Effects of Witnessing and Experiencing

Domestic Violence on Well-being in Senior High School Students

Background of the Study

“Trauma may happen to you, but it can never define you” (Naarisamata, 2023).
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual,
emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions that influence
another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate,
frighten, terrorize, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. Domestic violence is a
pervasive social issue that extends beyond the immediate victims to affect those who witness or
experience it, particularly children and adolescents. The impact of domestic violence on the well-
being of senior high school students is an area of growing concern, requiring thorough
examination.

Anybody can become a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of their gender identity,
sexual orientation, age, or race. People from all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds are
impacted by domestic violence. Domestic violence encompasses physical, psychological, and
emotional abuse within intimate relationships. According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), domestic violence affects millions worldwide, with profound consequences for
individuals and communities (WHO, 2021). In the context of high school students, exposure to
domestic violence can occur within their own households, witnessing the abuse between parents
or other family members. One group of people who are severely impacted by domestic violence
is children who experience it as they grow up. Frequent exposure to violence in the home
increases a child's chance of becoming the next generation of abuse victims and abusers by
teaching them that violence is a normal way of life and predisposing them to a host of physical
and social problems.

Adolescence is a crucial developmental period marked by heightened vulnerability and

susceptibility to external influences. Exposure to domestic violence during this formative stage
 3rd Floor Jasaca Center, Highway 1
San Miguel, Iriga City, Camarines Sur
Senior High school Department

can significantly impact the cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of senior high school
students. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that adolescents exposed to domestic
violence may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and depression (AAP, 2019).

In National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 17.5% of women aged 15 to 49

said they have experienced either physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their current or
most recent husband or intimate partner. Among those who reported experiencing abuse,
emotional violence was the most prevalent at 15.2% (Abad, 2023).

The primary statute addressing domestic violence in the Philippines is Republic Act No.
9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (VAWC Act) and its
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The VAWC Act was enacted to address violence
committed against women and their children in keeping with the fundamental freedoms granted
under the Philippine Constitution, the Provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international human rights instruments to
which the Philippines is a party.

"Violence against women and their children" is defined under the VAWC Act as any act
or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or a
woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a
common child, whether or not the act is committed within or outside the family abode. The
VAWC Act is groundbreaking legislation in the Philippines, particularly because of how it
recognizes different forms of violence, namely, those that result in or are likely to result in
physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse (1. Legal Provisions | the
Philippines | Fighting Domestic Violence | Baker McKenzie Resource Hub, n.d.). Domestic
violence maybe easily identified as a sickness that spreads quickly and affects all religious
communities, all relationships, races, and to individuals of all ages.

In 2022, the number of cases of violence against women and children reported in the
Philippines reached about 7.42 thousand, indicating a decrease from the previous year. The
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San Miguel, Iriga City, Camarines Sur
Senior High school Department

number of such violence cases in the country has been gradually declining in the past seven years
(Philippines: Cases of Violence Against Women and Children 2022 | Statista, 2024).

The feeling of discouragement that pervaded victims who ever reported their cases to the
police was a clear indicator to advise them to resolve their differences with their spouses at
home. This was seen as unavoidable due to the many factors that include the deeply ingrained
traditional environment and sociocultural connotations in the Philippines. It was thought that
domestic violence was a minor problem that didn't warrant further examination. Violence inside
the family was essentially accepted as a component of Philippine society. It was and still is very
difficult for women to admit in public that they are being maltreated by their partners because
some of them found it disgraceful to bring their family matters to the public domain (Oyenkami,
1997).

Domestic violence is has assumed national and international attention (Amnesty

International, 1995). It is on the rise in most countries around the world. It is a pattern of on-
going hurtful controlling activities, including physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse.
Domestic violence is perpetrated against women in most cases as compared to those against
males.

In every part of the World, governments and non-governmental and international

organizations are trying to collaborate to come out with appropriate measures to mitigate this
canker eating fast the fiber of society.

Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,
Exploitation, and Discrimination Act," is a critical piece of legislation in the Philippines that
addresses child protection, including cases of minor physical abuse. RA 7610 provides protection
for children against physical and psychological abuse, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse and
exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development (Respicio, 2023). This is one
of the organizations in Philippines which plays advocacy roles in combating all kinds of violence
against children and women in society.
 3rd Floor Jasaca Center, Highway 1
San Miguel, Iriga City, Camarines Sur
Senior High school Department

While existing literature acknowledges the negative impact of domestic violence on

children and adolescents, there is a notable gap in research focusing specifically on senior high
school students. This study seeks to address this gap by delving into the unique challenges and
long-term effects experienced by this demographic.

The primary objective of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the

long-term effects of witnessing and experiencing domestic violence on the well-being of senior
high school students. By identifying the specific challenges faced by this demographic, the study
aims to contribute valuable insights to inform preventive measures, support systems, and
educational interventions.

As domestic violence continues to be a global concern, it is imperative to recognize its

far-reaching consequences on the well-being of senior high school students. This research aspires
to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this demographic, emphasizing the importance of
tailored interventions to address the long-term effects of domestic violence on their well-being.

Researchers:
Balbuena, Princess Mherlene C.
Barayoga, Rod Andrey D.
Del Mundo, Jasfher D.
Narceda, Cherlen Angel C.