They say evil thrives when good people do nothing.
And for many women and children trapped in abusive relationships, silence can feel like the only option.
But Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, exists to break that silence. This law is a powerful tool for protection, accountability, and justice.
What Is VAWC? Understanding the Scope of RA 9262
RA 9262 covers any act of violence or abuse committed by an intimate partner that causes or could cause physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm to a woman or her child.
The law applies whether you are:
- Married or separated from the abuser
- Living together or not
- In a dating relationship
- Sharing a child with the abuser
Key Types of Abuse Defined:
- Physical Violence: Hitting, slapping, or any action that causes injury
- Sexual Violence: Rape, unwanted touching, coercion, or degrading sexual acts
- Psychological Violence: Verbal abuse, threats, stalking, isolation, gaslighting, or taking away child custody
- Economic Abuse: Preventing you from working, withholding financial support, or destroying property
Even if there are no visible bruises, the law recognizes that abuse takes many forms—and all are serious.
Legal Remedies Available Under RA 9262
You don’t have to suffer in silence. The law gives several legal remedies to protect and support victims:
- Barangay Protection Order (BPO)
- Issued by a Barangay Captain or Kagawad
- Quickest option: valid for 15 days
- Stops immediate threats of harm or harassment
- Temporary Protection Order (TPO)
- Issued by the court
- Lasts for 30 days (can be extended)
- May remove the abuser from the home, award temporary custody, or grant financial support
- Permanent Protection Order (PPO)
- Granted after a court hearing
- Offers long-term protection and remains in effect unless revoked
- Criminal Case
- File a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office
- Abuse is treated as a public crime, meaning it can be prosecuted even without a private complaint
- Civil Action
- Victims may claim damages for pain, trauma, lost income, or destruction of property
What Are the Penalties for Violators?
RA 9262 imposes strict penalties depending on the severity of the abuse.
| Type of Offense | Imprisonment | Fines | Other Measures |
| Serious physical harm | 6 years, 1 month to 12 years | None | Mandatory counseling |
| Less serious physical harm | 6 months to 6 years | None | Mandatory counseling |
| Slight injuries | 1 month to 6 months | None | Mandatory counseling |
| Threats, harassment, stalking | 1 month to 6 years | None | Mandatory counseling |
| Economic or psychological abuse | 1 month to 6 years | None | Mandatory counseling |
| Violation of protection orders | 1 month to 6 years | ₱100K to ₱300K | Counseling or psychiatric treatment |
Note: Victims may also receive civil damages through a separate case.
How to File a VAWC Case: Step-by-Step
Here’s how you can begin your journey toward safety and justice:
- Gather Evidence
Collect:
- Photos of injuries
- Text messages, emails, chat logs
- Medical records and witness statements
- Report to the Barangay or Police
- File a blotter report
- Request a Barangay Protection Order if there is urgent danger
- Get Medical Help
- Visit a hospital or clinic for a medico-legal exam
- This helps document physical or sexual abuse for the case
- File with the Prosecutor’s Office
- Submit affidavits, police reports, and medical evidence
- You may file directly or with help from the Public Attorney’s Office
- Request a Court Protection Order
- File for a TPO or PPO with the Regional Trial Court
- If the case is ongoing, your TPO may be extended or made permanent
- Enforcement and Monitoring
- Protection orders are enforced by police or barangay officials
- Report any violations immediately—these are punishable by law
Where to Get Help: Hotlines and Resources
If you or someone you know needs support, contact any of these 24/7 services:
- DSWD VAWC Hotline: 1343
- PNP Women and Children Protection Center: 117
- DSWD Crisis Intervention Unit: (02) 8-467-9737
- Public Attorney’s Office (PAO): 1-256-4347
- Philippine Commission on Women (PCW): (02) 8-631-6000
These agencies offer legal advice, shelter referrals, counseling, and case assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can file a case under RA 9262?
Any woman or her child who is a victim of physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse by a current or former partner—including a spouse, boyfriend, live-in partner, or the father of her child—can file a case.
2. Can men file a VAWC case under RA 9262?
No. RA 9262 specifically protects women and their children. However, men may seek protection under other laws, such as those related to physical injury or harassment.
3. Do I need a lawyer to file a VAWC case?
While having a lawyer helps, it is not required. Victims can file a complaint on their own. Free legal help is available through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).
4. How long does it take to get a Barangay Protection Order (BPO)?
A BPO can be issued immediately, often on the same day as the report, and takes effect for 15 days.
Video: VAWC: Anti-Violence against Women & their Children Law-Part 1| Abuso sa Kababaihan
Republic Act 9262 shields women and children from abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
Even live-in partners are covered under this law, giving survivors a legal voice regardless of marital status.
Barangay Protection Orders can be issued swiftly to help stop threats before they escalate.
This short video by Batas Pilipinas tells real Filipinos why knowing their rights isn’t just important—it’s empowering.
RA 9262 doesn’t just list punishments; it opens doors to safety, justice, and recovery.
Final Thoughts
No one deserves to live in fear.
RA 9262 exists so women and their children can reclaim safety, dignity, and control over their lives.
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you love, remember: the law is on your side, and help is just one call away.