Exploring College Students' Awareness and Responses to Violence Against Women (VAW) in the Context of a Philippine University: A Basis for a Tiered Action Plan on Education and Prevention

Abstract

This quantitative study examines college students' awareness and responses to Violence Against Women (VAW) at a Philippine State University, involving 209 students from the Education, Hospitality Management, and Information Technology programs. Using a structured questionnaire and SPSS analysis, the study reveals high awareness of VAW, but significant differences across gender and academic disciplines. Male students showed greater awareness of VAW's effects, challenging gendered assumptions. The study found a strong positive correlation (r = .82**) between perceived campaign effectiveness and overall awareness, highlighting the pivotal role of institutional advocacy. Based on these findings, the study recommends adopting a Tiered Action Plan for VAW Education and Prevention, focusing on leveraging male awareness, addressing program-specific curricular gaps, and institutionalizing continuous education and advocacy. This plan aims to transform awareness into proactive institutional and individual actions, fostering a gender-sensitive academic environment.