Violence against women and their children (VAWC) cannot be treated as a private dispute that parties may simply settle, as cases filed under the law remain subject to prosecution even if the complainant later withdraws support, authorities reiterated.
“Violations under RA 9262 are considered public crimes,” the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) stressed during a recent DILG Kapihan, clarifying that offenses under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, are not “private matters” between partners but crimes against the public.
According to the PCW, once a case is initiated, prosecution does not depend solely on the complainant’s continued participation, as reconciliation or settlement does not automatically halt legal proceedings.
The PCW said the legal framework reflects the government’s firm stance against domestic violence, emphasizing that the State has a responsibility to act and to clearly establish such violations as serious crimes.
Under RA 9262, VAWC includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse committed by a spouse, former partner, or a person with whom the victim has or had an intimate or dating relationship.
The law also allows the issuance of protection orders and imposes criminal penalties on offenders.
Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that 40,886 barangays, or about 97 percent nationwide, now operate Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) and Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) Desks.
Under RA 9262 and RA 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, barangays are required to maintain these desks, which receive and document complaints, coordinate referrals to health, legal, and psychosocial services, and assist in the issuance of Barangay Protection Orders when warranted.
The DILG said it provides gender sensitivity trainings and orientations on anti-VAW laws for VAW Desk Officers, including survivor-centered case management programs.
Despite existing mechanisms, the PCW noted that many survivors hesitate to pursue cases due to fear of retaliation, financial insecurity, or social stigma. Some withdraw complaints out of concern that prosecuting their partner could mean losing economic support.
“Magtiwala po tayo sa ating VAW desk officers… Alisin na po natin ang sistema ng victim-blaming,” the PCW urged, calling on communities to dismantle victim-blaming.
Victims of gender-based violence and sexual harassment may seek help through Barangay VAW or ASH Desks or contact the National Emergency Hotline 911.
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