Seminar on Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC)

DAVAO CITY (11 December 2025) – Atty. Lerca Guipe P. Valdez of the LGPV  Law Office, has stressed significant points relative to the grounds for filing a VAWC (Violence Against Women and their Children) case under Republic Act No. 9262 in the Philippines, before the officials and rank-and-file employees of Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) during the day-long Gender and Development (GAD) seminar on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) at the Sotogrande Hotel Davao in this city.

This case includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence committed by a current/former husband, partner, or person with whom the victim has a common child.

Acts causing mental or physical harm against women or their children (under 18 or incapable of self-care) are punishable. 

Main Grounds for VAWC (RA 9262):

• Physical Violence: Bodily harm, battery, assault, or actions causing fear of imminent physical harm.
• Sexual Violence: Rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, forcing the victim to watch obscene shows, or forcing sexual activity through force or threats.
• Psychological Violence: Acts causing mental/emotional suffering, including intimidation, harassment, stalking, public ridicule, damage to property, and marital infidelity.
• Economic Abuse: Actions that make a woman financially dependent, such as restriction of financial resources, deprivation of financial support, or destruction of household property. 

Key Aspects of the Law:

• Coverage: Applies to wives, former wives, or women with a dating/sexual relationship, and their children.
• No Psychological Evaluation Needed: The victim’s testimony is sufficient to prove emotional or mental suffering.
• Protection Orders: Victims can seek Barangay Protection Orders (BPO), Temporary Protection Orders (TPO), or Permanent Protection Orders (PPO).
• Child Protection: A father can be held liable for abuse against his child.