This article is general legal information for the Philippine setting (not individualized legal advice). If you’re in immediate danger, prioritize safety and seek emergency help right away.

1) What “VAWC” means under Philippine law

VAWC stands for Violence Against Women and Their Children under Republic Act No. 9262 (RA 9262).

A case may fall under RA 9262 if:

The victim is a woman (wife, ex-wife, girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, dating partner, sexual partner, or the mother of the offender’s child), or her child (legitimate/illegitimate, adopted, stepchild, or a child under her care in many situations); and
The offender is a current or former spouse/partner (or someone with whom the woman has or had a relationship), and
The harm involves any of the following:
- Physical violence (hitting, slapping, choking, throwing objects, restraint, etc.)
- Sexual violence (rape, sexual coercion, forcing sexual acts, sexual humiliation, etc.)
- Psychological violence (threats, intimidation, harassment, public humiliation, stalking, repeated insults, controlling behavior, isolation, causing fear/anxiety/depression)
- Economic abuse (withholding money, preventing employment, controlling finances, destroying property needed for work, refusing financial support to control or punish)

Important: RA 9262 is not limited to live-in or married couples. Former relationships can still qualify.

2) Your two main paths: (A) Protection orders, (B) Criminal case (and you can do both)

You can pursue:

A) Protection Orders (to stop the abuse fast)

Protection orders are court/barangay directives that can order the abuser to stop contact, stay away, leave the home, provide support, and more.

There are three types:

Barangay Protection Order (BPO) – fastest local protection (barangay level)
Temporary Protection Order (TPO) – court-issued interim protection
Permanent Protection Order (PPO) – court-issued longer-term protection after hearing

B) A Criminal Complaint under RA 9262 (for prosecution and penalties)

A criminal case aims to hold the offender legally accountable through the prosecutor/courts and may lead to arrest, trial, and penalties depending on the acts.

You don’t have to choose only one. Many survivors file for protection first, then file the criminal complaint (or do both close in time).

3) Who can file (even if you can’t)

Usually, the woman-victim files. But RA 9262 allows other persons to file in certain situations, commonly including:

Parents/guardians or ascendants/relatives (especially when the victim is a minor or unable)
Social workers or government authorities assisting the victim
In some cases, police/authorized officers with knowledge of the abuse (especially to ensure protection)

If you are a child victim, or the woman is unable or afraid, a trusted adult or social worker can often help file.

4) Where to go (free, practical starting points)

If you have no money for a lawyer, start with offices that are expected to assist:

Immediate help / reporting

PNP Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) at many police stations
PNP Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC) (specialized units in some areas)

Community-level protection

Your Barangay VAW Desk and Punong Barangay (for BPO, referrals, blotter)

Filing cases

Office of the City/Provincial Prosecutor (for criminal complaints)
Family Court / Regional Trial Court acting as Family Court (for TPO/PPO petitions, depending on location)

Free legal assistance

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) (free legal help if you qualify)
IBP Legal Aid (Integrated Bar of the Philippines chapters often run legal aid clinics)
Local government / DSWD social workers (can help with documentation, shelter referrals, and coordinated filing)

Tip: If you can’t figure out where to start, the police WCPD or barangay VAW desk is often the easiest first door. You can later escalate to prosecutor/court with their help and referrals.

5) Safety first: what to do before filing (if you’re at risk)

If violence is ongoing or escalating:

Go to a safe place (trusted relative, friend, shelter).
Keep your phone charged; save emergency contacts under code names if needed.
Pack essentials: IDs, birth certificates, ATM cards, medicines, keys, some cash, clothes.
Document injuries and incidents discreetly (see evidence section).
Consider bringing someone you trust when going to the barangay/police/court.

Protection orders can help, but leaving can be the most dangerous period—move with support if possible.

6) Evidence: what helps (and what you can still file without)

You can file even without “perfect” evidence. But these commonly strengthen your complaint/petition:

Physical violence

Photos of injuries (with date/time if possible)
Medical certificate / medico-legal report
Hospital/clinic records
Witness statements (neighbors, relatives, coworkers)

Psychological violence / threats / harassment

Screenshots of texts, chat messages, emails
Call logs, voice recordings (be cautious; legality can be fact-specific)
Social media messages/posts
Journal or incident log (dates, what happened, who saw it)
Evidence of stalking (CCTV, witness, location logs)

Economic abuse

Proof of withholding support (messages refusing support, bank records)
Proof of dependency and household expenses
Employment interference (messages to employer, confiscation of tools/devices)

Child-related abuse

School records, guidance counselor notes
Pediatric/psych consult notes
Statements of caregivers/teachers (handled sensitively)

Practical tip: Write a timeline of incidents: date, time, place, what happened, injuries, threats, witnesses, and any evidence.

7) How to get a Barangay Protection Order (BPO) — usually the fastest option

What a BPO can do

A BPO is designed mainly to stop immediate abuse/harassment and prevent contact. Typical provisions include:

Ordering the offender to stop committing or threatening violence
No contact / stop harassment
Orders related to staying away may be included in practice, depending on the barangay’s process, but BPOs are generally more limited than court protection orders

Where to file

At the barangay where you reside or where the incident occurred (barangay practice varies, but many accept where the victim is located).

What to bring

Any ID you have
Any proof (screenshots, photos, medical records) if available
If you have none, you can still tell your story and request help

What happens

You execute an application/statement at the barangay.
The Punong Barangay issues the BPO and helps with service/notice.

If the barangay is unhelpful

If you are dismissed, blamed, or delayed:

Go directly to the PNP WCPD and request assistance, documentation, and referral.
You can also proceed straight to court for a TPO (you do not need a BPO first).

8) How to get a Court Protection Order: TPO then PPO (stronger protections)

Court protection orders are typically broader and stronger than a BPO.

A) Temporary Protection Order (TPO)

TPOs are meant for urgent protection while the case is pending.

Common TPO protections can include:

No contact / stay-away order (distance restrictions)
Removing the offender from the home (in appropriate cases)
Prohibiting the offender from going near your workplace/school
Temporary custody arrangements
Support (financial) orders in appropriate cases
Firearms restrictions (as applicable)
Other protective measures the court deems necessary

B) Permanent Protection Order (PPO)

A PPO is issued after notice and hearing and can provide longer-term protection and continuing orders for safety, custody, support, and related relief.

Where to file TPO/PPO petition

The proper Family Court (RTC acting as a Family Court) in the place allowed by the rules on venue for VAWC-related relief (commonly where you reside or where the violence occurred, depending on the specific filing).

What you file

A verified petition/application for protection order describing:

Relationship to the offender
Acts of violence (physical/sexual/psychological/economic)
Dates/places and specific incidents
Why urgent protection is needed
The specific protections you want (be explicit)

No lawyer? You can still file.

You can:

Ask PAO to help draft/represent you (if qualified), or
Seek help from IBP Legal Aid, or
File on your own with help from court staff guidance on procedure (they cannot be your lawyer, but they can often tell you basic filing steps and required forms), plus a social worker/VAW desk assistance.

What to request in your petition (examples):

“No contact in any form” (calls, texts, social media, third parties)
“Stay at least ___ meters away from my home/work/school/child’s school”
“Vacate the residence and surrender keys”
“Temporary custody of the child/children”
“Monthly support of ₱___” and/or “payment of rent/school/medical”
“Turn over the child’s documents and my personal belongings”
“Prohibit harassment of my relatives/coworkers”
“Prohibit posting my photos/info online”
“Other relief for safety”

9) Filing a Criminal VAWC Complaint (RA 9262) without paying a lawyer

Where to file

You can usually file through:

The Office of the Prosecutor (City/Provincial Prosecutor), and/or
The PNP WCPD who will assist in preparing the complaint and evidence for referral.

What you typically submit

Complaint-Affidavit (your sworn narrative)
Supporting affidavits of witnesses (if any)
Documentary evidence (photos, screenshots, medical records)
IDs and basic personal details of the respondent (if known)

If you don’t know the respondent’s exact address, give what you can (workplace, relatives, last known address) and explain.

What happens next (typical flow)

Docketing/intake of the complaint
Subpoena to the respondent to submit a counter-affidavit (in many cases)
Preliminary investigation (or in some situations, inquest if arrested under certain circumstances)
Prosecutor decides probable cause → files information in court if warranted
Court proceedings (arraignment, hearings, trial) and possible protection orders along the way

Why a protection order is still important

A criminal case can take time. A protection order is the tool designed to reduce danger right now while the legal process runs.

10) Getting free legal help: where “no money” usually still works

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)

Provides free legal representation to qualified indigent clients.
Bring proof of income/indigency if available, but go even if you don’t have everything—they can tell you what to bring next.

IBP Legal Aid

Many IBP chapters provide free or low-cost legal aid clinics.
Some coordinate with local courts or NGOs.

DSWD / LGU social workers and shelters

Can assist with crisis intervention, temporary shelter, psychosocial services, and referrals.
They often help survivors prepare documentation and coordinate with law enforcement and PAO/IBP.

PNP WCPD / WCPC

Can help with blotter entries, referral for medico-legal, and guidance on filing.

11) Costs and practical money issues

Even without a private lawyer, you might still face incidental expenses:

Transportation
Photocopies/printing
Notarization (sometimes needed for affidavits, though some offices facilitate sworn statements)
Medical certificate costs (varies; government hospitals may be cheaper)

Ways to reduce cost:

Ask PAO/IBP/social worker for where to get affidavits sworn with minimal cost.
Use a government hospital for medical documentation if possible.
Keep digital copies and print only what’s needed.

Also consider asking the court (through PAO/legal aid) for:

Support orders and other relief that reduces immediate financial pressure.

12) What protection orders can cover (use this as your request checklist)

When you ask for protection, be as specific as possible. Depending on your situation, you may request:

Stop all violence, threats, harassment
No-contact / no third-party contact
Stay-away distances from home/work/school
Removal from the shared home (when appropriate)
Temporary custody of children
Child and/or spousal support
Protection against property destruction
Surrender of firearms (where applicable)
Return of personal belongings and documents
Protection of relatives/household members who are also being harassed
Orders to law enforcement to assist in implementation

13) Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

Minimizing psychological abuse. Threats, stalking, humiliation, and coercive control can be actionable—describe them clearly.
No timeline. Courts and prosecutors understand stories better with dates and sequences. Make a simple list.
Not asking for specific relief. If you need the offender to stay away from your workplace or your child’s school, say so.
Being pressured into “settling.” Safety comes first. You can listen, but don’t agree to anything that increases danger.
Going alone to confront the abuser. Avoid direct confrontation; use law enforcement/barangay/court mechanisms.

14) If you’re worried about retaliation

Tell the assisting officer/social worker/prosecutor/court:

Past threats and access to weapons
Escalation patterns
Stalking behavior
Attempts to isolate you or control finances/communications

Ask for:

Stronger stay-away/no-contact terms
Police assistance in serving orders
Safety planning and shelter referral if needed

15) A simple “no lawyer” action plan (copy and follow)

If you are in danger today:

Go to a safe place + call emergency help
Go to PNP WCPD for documentation and immediate assistance

Within 24–72 hours (or as soon as safe): 3) Get medical documentation if injured 4) Gather evidence (screenshots/photos) + write timeline 5) Apply for a BPO at the barangay (optional but fast)

For stronger protection: 6) File a TPO/PPO petition in Family Court (with help from PAO/IBP/social worker if possible)

For accountability: 7) File a criminal complaint under RA 9262 at the Prosecutor’s Office (or via WCPD)

Support: 8) Request custody/support relief as needed and link up with DSWD/LGU services

16) What to write in your first complaint narrative (template you can adapt)

When you give your statement, include:

Your full name, age, address (or safe address if advised), and contact info
Offender’s name, relationship to you, and known address/workplace
A clear statement: “I am filing under RA 9262 for [physical/psychological/economic/sexual] violence.”
Incident list (date/time/place; what he did; injuries/threats; witnesses)
Pattern/history of abuse (how long it has been happening)
How it affected you/your child (fear, inability to work, anxiety, missed school)
What you want the authorities/court to order (no contact, stay away, vacate, support, custody)

If you want, tell me (1) your relationship to the person, (2) what kind of abuse is happening (physical/psychological/economic/sexual), and (3) whether you and the person live together—then I can draft a ready-to-submit timeline and checklist of the exact documents and requests to bring for a BPO/TPO/PPO and a prosecutor complaint.