Christy Balita
Research expert covering the Philippines
Domestic violence in the Philippines - statistics & facts
In March 2004, a law was enacted to safeguard women in the Philippines from their abusive partners. Two decades later, the number of abuse cases has declined, but several Filipino women still long to feel safe and protected, especially in the hands of their partners. Although women in the Philippines have begun to assume additional roles in society beyond the traditional roles of childbearing and household management, the likelihood of them being the victims of abuse has remained constant. While the nature of abuse may have evolved, certain women may still experience feelings of powerlessness and vulnerability in their homes.
Despite the decline in the number of cases, it remains important to note that some victims may not be included in these figures as they may not feel comfortable enough to go to the authorities. According to the same survey, more than a quarter of the women surveyed never sought help or never told anyone after they experienced both physical and sexual abuse. Among those who sought help, the majority reached out to their family, with less than one percent seeking help from a lawyer.
The realities concerning the nature of domestic violence may somehow be unpredictable, but the effect of such abuse leaves a permanent mark on the lives of the victims. Some may suffer from mental or emotional trauma that could lead them to lose their self-esteem, which could potentially affect how they participate in society or, even worse, care for their children. To support women-victims in their recovery, multiple agencies have been created to advocate for their welfare. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), which is the primary policymaking and coordinating body for women and gender equality concerns, received allocated funds of about 171 million Philippine pesos for the 2024 fiscal year for all its programs and projects. Hotlines were also put in place to make it easier for victims to reach out to authorities in the event of such crimes. In addition, other laws also exist to protect the rights of men who may be victims of domestic violence, as such cases are not limited to women.
The state of domestic abuse
According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NHDS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the share of women who experienced any type of violence declined in comparison to the findings for 2017. For instance, from 4.4 percent in 2017, the share of women who experienced physical violence dropped to 3.2 percent in 2022. The same trend has been observed among women who experienced sexual violence and those who suffered psychological abuse. Among those who experienced physical violence, their current and former husbands or intimate partners were identified as the leading perpetrators of such abuse. Meanwhile, rape cases in the nation also declined in 2022; however, it remains the most prevalent type of crime committed against individuals.Despite the decline in the number of cases, it remains important to note that some victims may not be included in these figures as they may not feel comfortable enough to go to the authorities. According to the same survey, more than a quarter of the women surveyed never sought help or never told anyone after they experienced both physical and sexual abuse. Among those who sought help, the majority reached out to their family, with less than one percent seeking help from a lawyer.
Empowering women from abuse
The Republic Act No. 9262, more commonly known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, was enacted to promote the welfare of women and their children. It advocates against any form of violence committed by their spouse, former spouse, or any person with whom the victim may have a sexual or dating relationship. The nature of abuse is not only limited to physical violence, but also encompasses psychological, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse. Perpetrators of such crimes may be subject to imprisonment and the payment of fines, depending on the severity.The realities concerning the nature of domestic violence may somehow be unpredictable, but the effect of such abuse leaves a permanent mark on the lives of the victims. Some may suffer from mental or emotional trauma that could lead them to lose their self-esteem, which could potentially affect how they participate in society or, even worse, care for their children. To support women-victims in their recovery, multiple agencies have been created to advocate for their welfare. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), which is the primary policymaking and coordinating body for women and gender equality concerns, received allocated funds of about 171 million Philippine pesos for the 2024 fiscal year for all its programs and projects. Hotlines were also put in place to make it easier for victims to reach out to authorities in the event of such crimes. In addition, other laws also exist to protect the rights of men who may be victims of domestic violence, as such cases are not limited to women.
