Republic Act No. 9262, otherwise known as “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004″, has for its purpose the protection of family members; particularly, women and childred, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security. 

As defined by the statute, “Violence against women and their children” refers to any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his:

a)  wife,

b)  former wife, 

c)  a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship,

d)  a woman with whom he has a common child, or

e)  against said woman’s child, whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode,

which result in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse, including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty.  It includes, but is not limited to, the following acts:

1.  Physical Violence;

2.  Sexual violence;

3.  Psychological violence; and

4.  Economic Abuse.

The aggrieved party may institute the appropriate criminal complaint against the offender by preparing a complaint-affidavit, which details the factual elements of the offense, and file the same with any prosecution office where any of the elements of the offense have been committed.

Upon application, the aggrieved party may likewise avail of a Protection Order, which is a relief granted for the purpose of safeguarding the victim from further harm, minimizing any disruption in the victim’s daily life, and facilitating the opportunity and ability of the victim to independently regain control over her life.  The Protection Order may be filed before the Barangay or the Regional Trial Court.