What is VAWC?
VAWC stands for Violence Against Women and Children, which encompasses any act that results in physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm to women and children.
In the Philippines, this is addressed under Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004." This law aims to protect women and children from various forms of violence and abuse, providing them with access to legal remedies, protection, and support services.
VAWC not only highlights the severe impact of abuse on victims but also recognizes the systemic inequalities and power imbalances that often perpetuate violence in domestic settings.
The law covers various forms of abuse, including physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, and economic abuse. It recognizes that violence can occur in various forms, from physical harm to coercion and manipulation.
This law also provides for a comprehensive approach to protecting the victims, which includes the creation of Women's Desks in police stations, the establishment of crisis centers, and the provision of legal, medical, and psychological assistance. It also mandates the issuance of protection orders to ensure the safety of victims and their children.
Despite the existence of this law, VAWC remains a prevalent issue, and it is essential for the community to work together in raising awareness, providing support, and ensuring the enforcement of laws to protect women and children from all forms of violence and abuse.
What is Republic Act No. 9262?
RA 9262 is a landmark law in the Philippines that criminalizes all forms of violence against women and children. It aims to protect victims and empower them to take legal action, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
The law emphasizes the following:
- Protecting the rights of women and children.
- Providing accessible legal remedies and support services.
- Raising awareness to prevent violence and promote gender equality.
- Ensuring timely and effective protection for victims, including Barangay Protection Orders (BPO) and Temporary Protection Orders (TPO).
- Holding perpetrators accountable through criminal prosecution, including penalties such as imprisonment and fines.
- Offering shelter and financial assistance to victims, particularly women and children, to support their recovery.
Definitions under R.A. 9262
- Children: Refers to individuals under 18 years of age, or those above 18 but incapable of taking care of themselves, as defined in R.A. 7610. This includes the biological children of the victim and other children under her care.
- Dating Relationship: A relationship where the parties live as husband and wife without marriage or are romantically involved for a sustained period. A casual social acquaintance or business relationship is not considered a dating relationship.
- Sexual Relations: Refers to a single act of sexual activity, regardless of whether it results in the bearing of a common child.
- Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS): A psychological condition resulting from a history of abuse, manifesting as specific patterns of symptoms in battered women. BWS may justify retaliatory violence or self-defense by the woman. A psychiatric or clinical psychologist must diagnose it to help in the legal process. The law ensures that even women diagnosed with BWS retain custody of their children.
Persons Protected under R.A. 9262
The law recognizes the imbalance of power in abusive relationships, where women are typically the victims. Protected individuals include:
- Wife
- Former wife
- Woman with whom the offender has or had sexual relations
- Woman with whom the offender shares a common child
- Legitimate or illegitimate children of the woman, whether within or outside the family home
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VAWC Only Committed by Men?
What If a Male Spouse/Partner Complains About Abuse?
Actions Available to Women and Children under R.A. 9262:
- Women and children can file criminal complaints or apply for a Protection Order, either independently or as part of a civil or criminal case.
Who May File a Complaint under R.A. 9262?
Where Should VAWC Cases Be Filed?
Penalties for Committing VAWC
Those convicted of VAWC may face:
- Imprisonment from 1 month and 1 day to 20 years
- Fines ranging from P100,000 to P300,000 in damages
- Mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment
Filing Criminal Complaints under R.A. 9262
Criminal Complaints Can Be Filed Within 20 Years for These Actions:
- Hurting the woman or her child.
- Threatening to hurt the woman or her child.
- Trying to hurt the woman or her child.
- Making the woman or her child fear they will be hurt.
- Forcing or trying to force the woman or her child to do something they don’t want to do, or stopping them from doing something they have the right to do, or trying to control where they go or what they do by force, threats, or harm. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Threatening or actually taking away the woman’s or her child’s access to family members.
- Withholding or threatening to withhold financial support from the woman or her child.
- Taking away or threatening to take away the woman’s or her child’s legal rights.
- Stopping the woman from working, controlling her money, or controlling family finances.
- Threatening to hurt or hurting oneself to control the woman’s or her child’s decisions.
Criminal Complaints Can Be Filed Within 10 Years for These Actions:
- Forcing or trying to force the woman or her child into any sexual activity that isn’t rape, using force, threats, or harm.
- Causing serious emotional or mental distress to the woman or her child. This includes:
- Following the woman or her child in public or private places.
- Watching the woman or her child through windows or staying outside their home.
- Entering or staying on the woman’s or her child’s property without permission.
- Damaging belongings or hurting pets or animals belonging to the woman or her child.
- Harassing or being violent towards the woman or her child.
- Causing emotional harm, humiliation, or embarrassment, such as repeated verbal abuse, denying financial support, or stopping the woman from seeing her children.
Forms of Violence Recognized by RA 9262
Physical Violence
Acts that cause bodily harm, pain, or suffering. Examples: Hitting, slapping, kicking, or any form of physical abuse.
Sexual Violence
Coercing or forcing sexual acts against one’s will, including rape, sexual harassment, and acts of sexual exploitation. Includes making derogatory statements or actions that demean the victim’s sexuality.
Psychological Violence
Acts that inflict mental or emotional suffering. Examples: Verbal abuse, threats, stalking, isolating the victim, or repeated humiliation.
Economic Abuse
Actions that control financial resources or deny access to basic needs. Examples: Withholding financial support, preventing the victim from earning income, or squandering assets.
Legal Remedies Available to Victims
Protection Orders
- Barangay Protection Order (BPO): Issued by barangay officials to prevent further violence.
- Temporary Protection Order (TPO): Issued by courts for interim protection while a case is pending.
- Permanent Protection Order (PPO): Issued by courts to provide long-term safety for victims.
Custody and Financial Support
Victims of violence, especially women and children, may file for custody of children. This means that the abuser could be legally restricted from having custody or visitation rights to their children, especially if the abuser poses a threat to their safety and well-being.
In addition to custody, victims can request financial support from the perpetrator, particularly for the welfare of the children. This may include the provision of housing, education, and medical care. This financial support helps ensure that victims are not economically dependent on the perpetrator and can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Criminal Prosecution
Perpetrators of violence against women and children (VAWC) can face serious criminal charges under Republic Act 9262. These charges include imprisonment, fines, and other penalties depending on the severity of the offense.
Criminal prosecution serves as a deterrent to future violence, holding offenders accountable for their actions. By pursuing legal action, victims can assert their rights and contribute to the broader effort of preventing VAWC within their communities.
How to Get Help
Follow these steps to protect yourself and access support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available.
Seek Immediate Safety
If you are in immediate danger, prioritize your safety. Contact authorities, trusted friends, or family members for help.
File a Complaint
Report the incident to your local barangay, police station, or Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).
Access Support Services
Reach out to organizations offering shelter, counseling, and legal aid for survivors of abuse.
Document Evidence
Gather and keep records of abuse, such as photos, medical reports, or written accounts to strengthen your case.
Contact Information
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, contact the following organizations for support:
Philippine National Police (PNP) – WCPD
Hotline: 117 or 911
Mobile: (+63) 917-777-7377
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Hotline: 8888
Email: ciu@dswd.gov.ph
Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)
Hotline: (+63) 2-8736-5249
Email: pcw@pcw.gov.ph
PNP Women and Children Protection Center
Camp Crame, Quezon City
Tel. No.: 410-3213 / 532-6690
Aleng Pulis Text Hotline: 0919-777-7377
Emergency Hotline: 911
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-VAWC Division
V-Tech Tower, G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 8523-8231 to 38
Women’s Crisis Center (WCC)
Vito Cruz, Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 8514-4104
Mobile: 0920-9677852 / 0917-8250320
About Us
At Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC), we believe in the fundamental right of every individual to live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for survivors, educate communities, and advocate for justice through the enforcement of laws like the Philippine Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004."
Our Mission
- Support Survivors: Holistic services like legal aid, counseling, crisis intervention, and safe shelter.
- Raise Awareness: Education and community engagement to prevent violence.
- Advocate for Change: Strengthening laws, policies, and practices that protect women and children.
Our Vision
A future where no woman or child suffers from violence, and communities foster safety, equality, and empowerment.
What We Do
- Crisis Response: Immediate assistance like shelter and medical care.
- Education: Seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
- Legal Advocacy: Guidance and representation for survivors.
Why Choose Us?
Compassionate care, comprehensive services, dedicated advocacy, and strong community engagement.
Join Our Cause
Ending violence requires collective action. Become part of our movement for a violence-free society.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a survivor, advocate, or ally, there’s a place for you to contribute and make a difference.