Question & AnswerQ&A (NCRFW JOINT IAC-VAWC AND IRR COMMITTEE Resolution SERIES OF 2004)
Republic Act No. 9262 is officially titled as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004."
Victims under the Act include women who are the wife, former wife, or have/had a sexual or dating relationship with the perpetrator, and their children, whether legitimate or illegitimate, as well as other children under their care.
The Act defines violence against women and their children as physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and economic abuse.
The IAC-VAWC is a council composed of various government agencies tasked to implement programs to eliminate violence against women and children, monitor VAWC initiatives, and ensure the effective implementation of the law.
There are three types of protection orders under RA 9262: Barangay Protection Orders (BPOs), Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs), and Permanent Protection Orders (PPOs).
Victims themselves, their parents or guardians, relatives within the fourth civil degree, social workers, police officers, barangay officials, healthcare providers, lawyers, and at least two responsible citizens with personal knowledge may file for protection orders.
Acts include causing or threatening physical harm, attempting to cause harm, causing psychological distress, economic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment, and other controlling behaviors.
Penalties range from arresto mayor, prision correctional, prision mayor to imprisonment under the Revised Penal Code depending on the severity of the acts, including fines and mandatory psychological counseling.
Barangay officials must verify complaints, provide assistance in filing protection orders, arrest perpetrators without warrant if necessary, assist victims in medical treatment, report cases to police and social workers, monitor protection order compliance, and refrain from mediating or influencing abandonment of claims.
The identities and personal circumstances of the victim-survivors and complainants are protected by law. Disclosure to the public or media without consent is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment and fines.