FAQs 9262

Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their
Children Act of 2004, was signed into law on March 8, 2004, which coincided with
International Women's Day.

The principal author of RA 9262 in the Philippine Congress is Senator Loren Legarda.
She was a strong advocate for women's rights and worked closely with other lawmakers
and women's rights groups to ensure the passage of this legislation.

This law was a significant milestone in the fight for women's rights in the Philippines,
providing comprehensive legal remedies and protection for women and children against
violence and abuse.

Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and Their
Children Act of 2004" in the Philippines, is a landmark law protecting women and their
children from violence and abuse. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) regarding RA 9262:

1. What is Republic Act No. 9262?

RA 9262 is a Philippine law that aims to address the issue of violence against women
and their children (VAWC). It defines violence in various forms and provides legal
protection and remedies for women and children who are victims of abuse.

2. Who are protected under RA 9262?

The law protects:

 Women in various types of relationships, including those who are or were

married, in a sexual or dating relationship, or have a common child with the
offender, whether living together or not.
 Children, including biological children and those under the woman’s care.

3. What forms of violence are covered by RA 9262?

RA 9262 identifies four main types of violence:

 Physical violence – Acts that cause bodily harm.

 Sexual violence – Acts that force the victim into any form of sexual activity or
degrade their dignity as a person.
 Psychological violence – Acts causing mental or emotional suffering (e.g.,
harassment, intimidation, stalking, humiliation).
  Economic abuse – Acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially
dependent (e.g., withdrawal of financial support, preventing the woman from
working, controlling her finances).

4. Who can file a case under RA 9262?

A case can be filed by:

 The woman herself, whether still in the relationship or not.

 The woman’s parents or guardians.
 Social workers, police officers, or any individual who has personal knowledge of
the situation.

5. What remedies are available to victims under RA 9262?

Victims may seek the following:

 Protection Order (Barangay Protection Order, Temporary Protection Order, or

Permanent Protection Order) to prevent further abuse.
 Legal assistance, including access to legal counsel and support in filing criminal
and civil cases.
 Custody of children and financial support.
 Counseling services for both the woman and her children.

6. What are the penalties under RA 9262?

Penalties for violators can range from imprisonment (1 month to 20 years, depending on
the severity of the abuse) to fines. Violators may also face civil liabilities for damages
and other forms of compensation.

7. Can a man be a victim of RA 9262?

RA 9262 specifically protects women and their children. While men cannot file a case
under RA 9262, they can file cases related to abuse or violence under other laws.

8. Can a Barangay Protection Order (BPO) be issued immediately?

Yes. Barangay officials can issue a Barangay Protection Order within 24 hours upon
application. The BPO prohibits the offender from contacting or approaching the victim
and her children.

9. What is the role of the police in RA 9262?

Police officers are required to respond promptly to VAWC cases. They should assist in
filing cases, issuing protection orders, and ensuring the safety of victims. They may also
arrest offenders without a warrant in cases of abuse.
10. Can a victim file for protection even if she chooses to stay in the relationship?

Yes, a victim can seek protection through a Protection Order while still maintaining a
relationship with the offender. The law focuses on preventing violence and protecting
victims regardless of the status of the relationship.

11. What is economic abuse under RA 9262?

Economic abuse refers to actions that control or limit a woman’s financial resources,
such as:

 Depriving her of financial support.

 Withholding funds for basic necessities.
 Preventing her from working or controlling her salary.

12. What is psychological violence under RA 9262?

Psychological violence includes acts that cause emotional distress or mental suffering,
such as:

 Verbal abuse, harassment, or threats.

 Stalking or intimidation.
 Denying the woman access to her children.

13. Can a protection order be enforced anywhere?

Yes. Protection Orders, once issued, are enforceable anywhere in the Philippines. Local
authorities and law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing them.

14. What should a woman do if she is a victim of VAWC?

 Seek immediate help from the nearest police station or barangay.

 File for a Protection Order.
 Contact social welfare offices for counseling and support.
 Secure legal assistance through public or private lawyers.

15. Can a woman seek protection even if she has no legal relationship with the
offender?

Yes, the law protects women even if they are not legally married to the offender. As long
as there is an existing or previous intimate relationship, such as cohabitation or dating,
the victim can seek protection.

RA 9262 provides critical legal mechanisms to combat violence against women and
their children. It empowers women to seek help and ensures that abusers are held
accountable for their actions.
SIGNIFICANCE OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9262

The significance of Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children
Act of 2004) lies in its comprehensive protection and legal recognition of the rights of women
and their children against various forms of violence and abuse. Here are some key aspects of its
importance:

1. Legal Protection for Women and Children

RA 9262 provides legal protection specifically to women and their children who are victims of
violence in intimate relationships. It recognizes that violence can happen within families and
relationships, acknowledging that women are often vulnerable in such settings.

2. Comprehensive Definition of Violence

The law defines violence in a broad sense, covering not just physical abuse but also:

 Sexual violence (coercion into unwanted sexual acts).

 Psychological violence (emotional or mental suffering through intimidation, harassment,
or manipulation).
 Economic abuse (controlling or withholding financial resources to make a woman
dependent).
This recognition of non-physical forms of abuse is a significant step forward in
addressing less visible but equally harmful types of violence.

3. Empowerment of Women

RA 9262 empowers women by giving them legal recourse and access to protection orders. It
also provides women the right to financial support and, in cases where necessary, custody of
children, ensuring that they are not left vulnerable even after escaping abusive relationships.

4. Immediate and Accessible Remedies

Victims can seek immediate protection, even at the barangay level, through Barangay
Protection Orders (BPOs), which can be issued within 24 hours. This makes the law more
accessible to women at the community level, ensuring faster intervention and protection.

5. Accountability for Abusers

RA 9262 holds perpetrators accountable by imposing criminal and civil penalties for their
abusive actions. It ensures that the abuser can be prosecuted for their actions, potentially
resulting in imprisonment, fines, and damage claims.

6. Changing Cultural Norms

By criminalizing violence against women and children within intimate relationships, RA 9262
helps challenge deeply ingrained cultural norms that have historically tolerated abuse or violence
within families. It advocates for the dignity and rights of women and shifts societal views
toward more respectful treatment of women in both the public and private spheres.

7. Support Services for Victims

The law mandates that the government provide support services such as shelters, counseling,
and legal aid for victims of violence. This ensures that women and children have access to the
necessary resources for rehabilitation and recovery.

8. Strengthening Gender Equality

RA 9262 is a crucial part of the broader fight for gender equality in the Philippines. It aligns
with international conventions, like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which the Philippines is a signatory, by
ensuring that women are free from violence, which is a form of discrimination.

9. Promotion of Mental and Emotional Well-being

By recognizing psychological violence as a form of abuse, RA 9262 acknowledges the

importance of mental and emotional well-being. It helps victims of emotional and mental abuse
get the legal protection and support they need to escape harmful environments.

10. Cultural Shift Towards Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence

RA 9262 contributes to creating a culture where domestic violence is not tolerated. It signals a
clear stand by the state that violence within relationships is unacceptable, promoting respect for
women’s and children’s rights and well-being.

Overall, RA 9262 serves as a powerful legal tool that promotes justice, protection, and
empowerment for women and children, creating safer and more equal communities in the
Philippines.

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How can social workers contribute to the RA. 9262?

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Social workers play a critical role in the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 9262
(Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004). Their expertise in providing
support, advocacy, and protection for vulnerable populations positions them as key actors in
addressing violence against women and children. Below are ways in which social workers can
contribute to the implementation and success of RA 9262:

1. Counseling and Psychological Support

Social workers provide essential counseling services to victims of violence, helping them cope
with trauma and emotional distress. They:

 Offer individual and group therapy sessions for women and children suffering from abuse.
 Provide psychosocial support to help victims recover emotionally and mentally.
 Help victims regain their self-esteem and make informed decisions regarding their safety and
future.

2. Case Management

Social workers assist in managing the casework for victims of violence, coordinating services
and interventions. This includes:

 Conducting intake interviews and risk assessments to determine the level of danger the victim
faces.
 Creating a safety plan for the victim, including referrals to shelters, legal aid, and medical
services.
 Monitoring and following up on the victim’s progress throughout the recovery process.

3. Facilitating Access to Protection Orders

Social workers can guide victims through the legal processes of obtaining Barangay Protection
Orders (BPOs), Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs), or Permanent Protection Orders
(PPOs) by:

 Educating victims about their rights under RA 9262.

 Assisting with the filing of petitions for protection orders and explaining the legal procedures.
 Advocating on behalf of the victims in legal and judicial settings when necessary.

4. Advocacy and Public Awareness

Social workers are instrumental in raising awareness about RA 9262 and the rights of women
and children. They:

 Conduct information campaigns in communities to educate women, children, and families

about the law and how they can seek protection.
 Engage in advocacy efforts to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women
and children.
 Work with local authorities and NGOs to promote the enforcement of RA 9262 and ensure that
the rights of victims are upheld.
5. Crisis Intervention

In cases of immediate danger, social workers provide crisis intervention by:

 Facilitating the rescue and relocation of women and children to safe shelters.
 Coordinating with law enforcement and local authorities to ensure the victim’s safety.
 Helping victims access emergency services, including medical care and shelter, as part of an
urgent response.

6. Referral and Coordination of Services

Social workers collaborate with various agencies to ensure that victims receive comprehensive
support, including:

 Referring victims to medical services, including mental health care.

 Connecting them with legal assistance, including public attorneys and legal aid organizations.
 Helping them access economic support services, such as financial assistance or job placement
programs, to reduce dependence on the abuser.

7. Capacity Building and Training

Social workers provide training to various stakeholders, including:

 Barangay officials, police officers, and other frontline workers on the proper handling of cases
involving RA 9262.
 Conducting gender sensitivity training to promote understanding of domestic violence and its
impact.
 Building the capacity of communities and local organizations to respond effectively to cases of
violence against women and children.

8. Shelter Management

Social workers often manage or work in temporary shelters for abused women and children,
where they provide:

 Safe and supportive environments for women and children fleeing abusive relationships.
 Life skills training to help victims regain independence.
 Access to legal, medical, and social services while victims rebuild their lives.

9. Legal and Court Support

Social workers can act as advocates and provide court testimony or expert advice in legal cases.
They may:

 Assist in gathering evidence and documenting the abuse for legal cases.
 Provide support during court hearings to help victims navigate the judicial process.
  Act as mediators between the victim, legal representatives, and other agencies.

10. Prevention Programs

Social workers help design and implement violence prevention programs, which may include:

 Workshops on anger management, family dynamics, and conflict resolution aimed at preventing
domestic violence.
 Community programs that focus on empowering women and educating men about non-violent
behaviors.
 Collaborating with schools and youth groups to teach young people about healthy relationships
and gender equality.

11. Monitoring and Reporting

Social workers contribute to the implementation of RA 9262 by monitoring cases of violence

against women and children, ensuring that:

 Reports of abuse are properly documented and filed with authorities.

 There is follow-up on cases to ensure that victims are protected and that abusers comply with
legal orders.
 They help assess the effectiveness of interventions and advocate for systemic improvements
when needed.

12. Empowerment Programs

Social workers also focus on empowering women through:

 Livelihood programs that help women gain financial independence, reducing their vulnerability
to economic abuse.
 Offering educational opportunities and skills training to build their confidence and autonomy.
 Providing support in building support networks of family, friends, and community members
who can assist in preventing further abuse.

Conclusion

Social workers are vital in addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by violence against
women and children under RA 9262. Through advocacy, counseling, legal assistance, and
community engagement, they contribute to the protection, empowerment, and healing of
victims, while also working to prevent further violence. Their role helps ensure that the
provisions of the law are effectively implemented and that women and children live free from
abuse.

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