You Are Not Alone

Hindi Ka Nag-iisa

If you are reading this because someone is hurting you — physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially — know that what is happening to you is not your fault, and the law is on your side. Republic Act 9262 (the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) exists specifically to protect you.

Kung binabasa mo ito dahil may nanasakit sa iyo — pisikal, emosyonal, sekswal, o pinansyal — alamin na ang nangyayari sa iyo ay hindi mo kasalanan, at ang batas ay kakampi mo. Ang Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) ay ginawa para protektahan ka.

The PNP recorded 6,883 VAWC cases in just 4 months (August–November 2025). These are only the reported cases — the real number is far higher. You are not the only one going through this, and there is no shame in asking for help.

Nagtala ang PNP ng 6,883 VAWC cases sa loob lamang ng 4 na buwan (Agosto–Nobyembre 2025). Ito ay ang mga naiulat na kaso lamang — ang totoong bilang ay mas mataas pa. Hindi ka nag-iisa sa pinagdadaanan mo, at walang kahihiyan sa paghingi ng tulong.

“Violations under RA 9262 are considered public crimes. Settlements or reconciliation do not automatically stop legal proceedings.”

— DILG and Philippine Commission on Women joint statement, March 2026

“Ang mga paglabag sa RA 9262 ay itinuturing na public crimes. Ang settlement o reconciliation ay hindi awtomatikong nagpapatigil ng legal proceedings.”

— DILG at Philippine Commission on Women joint statement, Marso 2026

What Counts as VAWC Under the Law

Ano ang VAWC Ayon sa Batas

RA 9262 covers four types of violence committed against a woman by her current or former husband, live-in partner, boyfriend, or the father of her child. It also protects their children (under 18 or incapable of self-care).

Ang RA 9262 ay sumasaklaw sa apat na uri ng karahasan na ginawa laban sa isang babae ng kanyang kasalukuyan o dating asawa, live-in partner, boyfriend, o ama ng kanyang anak. Pinoprotektahan din nito ang kanilang mga anak (below 18 o hindi kayang alagaan ang sarili).

Physical Violence

Pisikal na Karahasan

Hitting, punching, kicking, slapping, choking, pushing, or any act that causes bodily harm. Penalties: 6 months to 12 years imprisonment depending on severity.

Pananakit, pagsuntok, pagsipa, sampal, pagsakal, pagtulak, o anumang gawain na nagdudulot ng pinsala sa katawan. Parusa: 6 na buwan hanggang 12 taon na pagkakulong depende sa kalubhaan.

Sexual Violence

Sekswal na Karahasan

Forcing sexual acts, marital rape (yes, it is a crime), forcing you to watch obscene material, prostituting you or your child. Penalty: 6 years 1 day to 12 years.

Pagpilit sa sekswal na gawain, marital rape (oo, ito ay krimen), pagpilit sa iyo na manood ng malaswa, pagpaprostityut sa iyo o sa iyong anak. Parusa: 6 na taon at 1 araw hanggang 12 taon.

Psychological Violence

Sikolohikal na Karahasan

Intimidation, stalking, harassment, public humiliation, repeated verbal abuse, threats, controlling behavior, marital infidelity, and emotional manipulation. The Supreme Court has ruled that no psychological evaluation is required to prove this — your testimony alone is sufficient.

Pananakot, stalking, harassment, pampublikong kahihiyan, paulit-ulit na verbal abuse, pagbabanta, kontrolado na pag-uugali, pangangaliwa, at emosyonal na manipulasyon. Naipasya ng Korte Suprema na hindi kailangan ng psychological evaluation para patunayan ito — sapat na ang iyong testimonya.

“A psychological evaluation from an expert witness is not necessary to prove psychological violence under RA 9262. The victim’s testimony alone is sufficient.”

— Supreme Court of the Philippines

“Hindi kailangan ang psychological evaluation mula sa expert witness para patunayan ang sikolohikal na karahasan sa ilalim ng RA 9262. Sapat na ang testimonya ng biktima.”

— Korte Suprema ng Pilipinas

Economic Abuse

Ekonomikong Pang-aabuso

Withholding financial support, preventing you from working, controlling your money, destroying household property, or depriving you of your rightful share of conjugal assets. Penalty: 6 months 1 day to 6 years.

Pagkait ng sustento, pagbabawal sa iyo na magtrabaho, pagkontrol sa iyong pera, pagsira ng ari-arian sa bahay, o pagkuha ng iyong karapatang bahagi sa mga conjugal assets. Parusa: 6 na buwan at 1 araw hanggang 6 na taon.

3 Types of Protection Orders

3 Uri ng Protection Orders

A Protection Order is a court or barangay directive that legally orders the abuser to stay away from you. Violating it is a separate crime (fine of ₱5,000–₱50,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment).

Ang Protection Order ay isang utos ng korte o barangay na legal na nag-uutos sa abuser na lumayo sa iyo. Ang paglabag dito ay hiwalay na krimen (multa na ₱5,000–₱50,000 at/o hanggang 6 na buwan na pagkakulong).

1. Barangay Protection Order (BPO)

1. Barangay Protection Order (BPO)

• Issued by: Punong Barangay (or any Kagawad if PB is unavailable)
• Speed: Issued on the same day you file
• Duration: 15 days
• Coverage: Orders the abuser to stop committing physical violence
• Important: The barangay cannot mediate or settle VAWC cases. They can only issue BPOs and refer you to the proper agencies.

• Ini-issue ng: Punong Barangay (o sinumang Kagawad kung wala ang PB)
• Bilis: Ini-issue sa parehong araw na mag-file ka
• Tagal: 15 araw
• Saklaw: Nag-uutos sa abuser na itigil ang pisikal na karahasan
• Mahalaga: Ang barangay ay hindi maaaring mamagitan o mag-settle ng VAWC cases. Maaari lang silang mag-issue ng BPOs at mag-refer sa tamang ahensya.

2. Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

2. Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

• Issued by: Family Court (RTC/MTC)
• Speed: Issued on date of filing (within 24 hours if imminent danger)
• Duration: 30 days, renewable until PPO is decided
• Coverage: All reliefs — no-contact order, removal from home, child custody, financial support, firearm surrender, and more

• Ini-issue ng: Family Court (RTC/MTC)
• Bilis: Ini-issue sa araw ng pag-file (sa loob ng 24 oras kung may agarang panganib)
• Tagal: 30 araw, nire-renew hanggang ma-desisyunan ang PPO
• Saklaw: Lahat ng proteksyon — no-contact order, pag-alis sa bahay, custody ng mga anak, sustento, pagsuko ng baril, at iba pa

3. Permanent Protection Order (PPO)

3. Permanent Protection Order (PPO)

• Issued by: Court after notice and hearing
• Duration: Effective until revoked by the court (only you can request revocation)
• Coverage: Same as TPO but permanent; survives even if the criminal case is dismissed
• Note: The court cannot deny a PPO based on how much time has passed since the violence occurred

• Ini-issue ng: Korte pagkatapos ng notice at hearing
• Tagal: Epektibo hanggang i-revoke ng korte (ikaw lang ang maaaring mag-request ng revocation)
• Saklaw: Pareho sa TPO pero permanente; nananatili kahit ma-dismiss ang criminal case
• Paalala: Ang korte ay hindi maaaring tanggihan ang PPO batay sa tagal ng oras na nakalipas mula nang nangyari ang karahasan

How to File a VAWC Case: Step-by-Step

Paano Mag-file ng VAWC Case: Hakbang-Hakbang

1. Get to safety first.

   Go to a trusted relative, neighbor, or DSWD shelter. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or PNP 177. Your safety comes before any paperwork.

2. Get medical attention.

   Go to a hospital or clinic. By law (Section 31, RA 9262), healthcare providers are required to document your injuries, give you a free medical certificate, and inform you of your rights. Ask for the medical certificate — you will need it as evidence.

3. Report to the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).

   Go to the nearest police station and ask for the WCPD. File a police report (blotter entry). Bring any evidence you have: the medical certificate, photos of injuries, screenshots of threatening messages, witness contact information.

4. Go to the Barangay VAW Desk for a BPO (optional but fast).

   The barangay can issue a Barangay Protection Order on the same day. This gives you 15 days of immediate protection while you pursue the stronger court orders. Remember: the barangay cannot mediate your case — if they try to make you "settle," they are violating the law.

5. File a complaint at the Prosecutor’s Office.

   Prepare a complaint-affidavit (a sworn written statement describing the violence). Attach your evidence: medical certificate, police report, photos, screenshots. The prosecutor will conduct a preliminary investigation. If probable cause is found, a formal charge is filed in court.

6. Apply for a TPO/PPO at the Family Court.

   File a written, verified application at the Family Court. You can do this alongside or separately from the criminal case. The court can issue a TPO on the same day. Court personnel are required to help you fill out the forms. Filing fees are waived for victims in danger or those who cannot afford them.

7. Get free legal representation from PAO.

   The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) provides free legal aid to all VAWC victims — no indigency test required. Call PAO at (02) 8929-9436 loc. 106/107 or visit any PAO district office. You do not need to face this alone.

1. Pumunta muna sa ligtas na lugar.

   Pumunta sa pinagkakatiwalaang kamag-anak, kapitbahay, o shelter ng DSWD. Kung ikaw ay nasa panganib ngayon, tumawag sa 911 o PNP 177. Mas mahalaga ang kaligtasan mo kaysa sa anumang papeles.

2. Magpa-check up.

   Pumunta sa ospital o klinika. Ayon sa batas (Section 31, RA 9262), ang mga healthcare providers ay obligadong i-document ang iyong mga pinsala, bigyan ka ng libreng medical certificate, at ipaalam ang iyong mga karapatan. Hingin ang medical certificate — kakailanganin mo ito bilang ebidensya.

3. Mag-report sa PNP Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).

   Pumunta sa pinakamalapit na police station at hanapin ang WCPD. Mag-file ng police report (blotter entry). Dalhin ang anumang ebidensya: medical certificate, litrato ng mga pinsala, screenshots ng mga nagbabantang mensahe, contact info ng mga saksi.

4. Pumunta sa Barangay VAW Desk para sa BPO (opsyonal pero mabilis).

   Maaaring mag-issue ang barangay ng Barangay Protection Order sa parehong araw. Bibigyan ka nito ng 15 araw na agarang proteksyon habang hinahabol mo ang mas malakas na court orders. Tandaan: ang barangay ay hindi maaaring mamagitan sa iyong kaso — kung pipilitin ka nilang mag-"settle," nilalabag nila ang batas.

5. Mag-file ng reklamo sa Prosecutor’s Office.

   Gumawa ng complaint-affidavit (sinumpaang nakasulat na pahayag na naglalarawan ng karahasan). Ilakip ang iyong mga ebidensya: medical certificate, police report, litrato, screenshots. Magsasagawa ang prosecutor ng preliminary investigation. Kung may probable cause, magfa-file ng pormal na kaso sa korte.

6. Mag-apply ng TPO/PPO sa Family Court.

   Mag-file ng nakasulat at verified na application sa Family Court. Maaari mong gawin ito kasabay o hiwalay sa criminal case. Maaaring mag-issue ang korte ng TPO sa parehong araw. Ang mga kawani ng korte ay obligadong tulungan ka sa pag-fill out ng mga forms. Ang filing fees ay waived para sa mga biktimang nasa panganib o hindi kaya ang bayad.

7. Kumuha ng libreng abogado mula sa PAO.

   Ang Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) ay nagbibigay ng libreng legal aid sa lahat ng VAWC victims — walang indigency test na kailangan. Tumawag sa PAO sa (02) 8929-9436 loc. 106/107 o pumunta sa kahit anong PAO district office. Hindi mo kailangang harapin ito nang mag-isa.

What to Bring

Ano ang Dapat Dalhin

Emergency Hotlines & Support Services

Mga Emergency Hotline at Serbisyo

DSWD Shelters: The DSWD Haven (National Center for Women) in Muntinlupa provides temporary shelter, psychosocial care, legal assistance, vocational counseling, and livelihood support. Contact: haven.ncw@dswd.gov.ph. Regional shelters are also available through DSWD Field Offices nationwide.

Mga DSWD Shelter: Ang DSWD Haven (National Center for Women) sa Muntinlupa ay nagbibigay ng pansamantalang tirahan, psychosocial care, legal assistance, vocational counseling, at livelihood support. Contact: haven.ncw@dswd.gov.ph. May mga regional shelters din sa pamamagitan ng DSWD Field Offices sa buong bansa.

Know Your Rights Under RA 9262

Alamin ang Iyong Karapatan sa Ilalim ng RA 9262

• VAWC is a public crime (Section 25) — it is prosecuted by the state, not just the victim. The case continues even if you withdraw your complaint.
• Anyone can file on your behalf (Section 9) — your parents, relatives (up to 4th degree), DSWD, police, your doctor or therapist, or any 2 concerned citizens with personal knowledge.
• Free legal aid (Section 35) — PAO must represent you immediately if you request counsel and cannot afford one. No indigency test for VAWC victims.
• Free medical certificate (Section 31) — any healthcare provider who examines you must provide this at no cost.
• VAWC Leave (Section 43) — 10 days paid leave from work, in addition to all other leaves. Non-cumulative. Extendible per protection order.
• Confidentiality (Section 37) — all records are confidential. Publishing your identity without consent is punishable by 1 year imprisonment + up to ₱500,000 fine.
• Battered Woman Syndrome (Section 26) — recognized as a legal defense. You may not be held criminally or civilly liable even without traditional self-defense elements.
• Intoxication is not a defense (Section 27) — "he was drunk" does not excuse violence.
• No barangay mediation (Section 410, Local Government Code) — VAWC cases are exempt from barangay conciliation. If the barangay tries to make you settle, they are violating the law.
• Long prescriptive period — up to 20 years for physical/sexual violence (varies by severity); up to 10 years for psychological/economic abuse. It is never "too late."

• Ang VAWC ay public crime (Section 25) — ang estado ang nagpo-prosecute, hindi lang ang biktima. Nagpapatuloy ang kaso kahit bawiin mo ang reklamo.
• Kahit sino ang pwedeng mag-file para sa iyo (Section 9) — ang iyong mga magulang, kamag-anak (hanggang 4th degree), DSWD, pulis, iyong doktor o therapist, o kahit 2 mamamayang may personal na kaalaman.
• Libreng legal aid (Section 35) — obligado ang PAO na katawanin ka agad kung humingi ka ng abogado at hindi kaya. Walang indigency test para sa VAWC victims.
• Libreng medical certificate (Section 31) — obligado ang anumang healthcare provider na eksaminado ka na ibigay ito nang walang bayad.
• VAWC Leave (Section 43) — 10 araw na paid leave mula sa trabaho, dagdag sa lahat ng ibang leaves. Hindi nag-aaccumulate. Maaaring ma-extend ayon sa protection order.
• Confidentiality (Section 37) — lahat ng records ay confidential. Ang pag-publish ng iyong pagkakakilanlan nang walang pahintulot ay may parusa na 1 taon na pagkakulong + hanggang ₱500,000 na multa.
• Battered Woman Syndrome (Section 26) — kinikilala bilang legal defense. Maaaring hindi ka managot sa criminal o civil liability kahit walang tradisyunal na self-defense elements.
• Ang paglasing ay hindi depensa (Section 27) — ang "lasing siya" ay hindi dahilan para sa karahasan.
• Walang barangay mediation (Section 410, Local Government Code) — ang VAWC cases ay exempt sa barangay conciliation. Kung pinipilit ka ng barangay na mag-settle, nilalabag nila ang batas.
• Mahabang prescriptive period — hanggang 20 taon para sa pisikal/sekswal na karahasan (depende sa kalubhaan); hanggang 10 taon para sa sikolohikal/ekonomikong pang-aabuso. Hindi kailanman "huli na."

10 Myths That Keep Women Silent

10 Maling Paniniwala na Nagpapatahimik sa mga Babae

1. Myth: “It’s a private family matter.”
   Fact: VAWC is a public crime (Section 25). Anyone with knowledge can file. The state prosecutes.
2. Myth: “We can settle it at the barangay.”
   Fact: VAWC cases are exempt from barangay conciliation. The barangay can only issue BPOs and refer.
3. Myth: “If I forgive him, the case will be dropped.”
   Fact: As a public crime, prosecution continues even if you withdraw. Settlement does not stop legal proceedings.
4. Myth: “I need a Barangay Certificate to File Action first.”
   Fact: No certificate needed. You can go directly to the prosecutor or court.
5. Myth: “Only the victim can file.”
   Fact: Parents, relatives, DSWD, police, your doctor, or any 2 concerned citizens can file (Section 9).
6. Myth: “Psychological abuse isn’t really VAWC.”
   Fact: Verbal abuse, humiliation, stalking, and marital infidelity are all crimes under RA 9262. The Supreme Court confirmed no psych evaluation is needed to prove it.
7. Myth: “Withholding money isn’t violence.”
   Fact: Economic abuse — withholding support, preventing work, controlling money — is punishable by up to 6 years.
8. Myth: “He was drunk, so he didn’t mean it.”
   Fact: Intoxication is explicitly prohibited as a defense (Section 27).
9. Myth: “I can’t afford a lawyer.”
   Fact: PAO provides free representation to all VAWC victims. No indigency test required.
10. Myth: “It’s been too long to file.”
    Fact: Prescriptive period is up to 20 years for physical/sexual violence and up to 10 years for psychological/economic abuse (depends on severity). The court also cannot deny a PPO based on time elapsed.

1. Mito: “Pribadong bagay lang yan ng pamilya.”
   Katotohanan: Ang VAWC ay public crime (Section 25). Kahit sino na may kaalaman ay pwedeng mag-file. Ang estado ang nag-prosecute.
2. Mito: “Pwede naman i-settle sa barangay.”
   Katotohanan: Ang VAWC cases ay exempt sa barangay conciliation. Ang barangay ay maaari lang mag-issue ng BPOs at mag-refer.
3. Mito: “Kung patatawarin ko siya, iba-drop ang kaso.”
   Katotohanan: Bilang public crime, ang prosecution ay nagpapatuloy kahit bawiin mo ang reklamo. Hindi pinapahinto ng settlement ang legal proceedings.
4. Mito: “Kailangan ko muna ng Barangay Certificate to File Action.”
   Katotohanan: Hindi kailangan ng certificate. Maaari kang pumunta direkta sa prosecutor o korte.
5. Mito: “Ang biktima lang ang pwedeng mag-file.”
   Katotohanan: Ang mga magulang, kamag-anak, DSWD, pulis, iyong doktor, o kahit 2 mamamayan ay pwedeng mag-file (Section 9).
6. Mito: “Hindi naman talaga VAWC ang psychological abuse.”
   Katotohanan: Ang verbal abuse, kahihiyan, stalking, at pangangaliwa ay lahat krimen sa ilalim ng RA 9262. Kinumpirma ng Korte Suprema na hindi kailangan ng psych evaluation para patunayan ito.
7. Mito: “Hindi karahasan ang pagkait ng pera.”
   Katotohanan: Ang economic abuse — pagkait ng sustento, pagbabawal sa trabaho, pagkontrol ng pera — ay may parusa na hanggang 6 na taon.
8. Mito: “Lasing kasi siya, hindi niya sinasadya.”
   Katotohanan: Ang paglasing ay tahasang ipinagbabawal bilang depensa (Section 27).
9. Mito: “Hindi ko kaya magbayad ng abogado.”
   Katotohanan: Ang PAO ay nagbibigay ng libreng representasyon sa lahat ng VAWC victims. Walang indigency test na kailangan.
10. Mito: “Matagal na, huli na para mag-file.”
    Katotohanan: Ang prescriptive period ay hanggang 20 taon para sa pisikal/sekswal na karahasan at hanggang 10 taon para sa sikolohikal/ekonomikong pang-aabuso (depende sa kalubhaan). Hindi rin maaaring tanggihan ng korte ang PPO batay sa nakalipas na oras.