Domestic Abuse Help in the Philippines

Commonly Asked Domestic Abuse Questions

DomesticShelters.org has heard from many victims and survivors in the Philippines, and created toolkits covering the topics that people tell us they want to learn more about. Domestic abuse is a complex matter. We have developed nearly 1,000 articles on every aspect of domestic violence. If you don't find what you need below, enter your enter your topic here and our search engine will find what you need.

• What is Domestic Abuse?
• Why Do Abusers Abuse?
• I'm Ready to Leave, Now What?
• What About My Kids?
• I Know Someone Who is Being Abused, What Should I Do?
• How Do I Heal After Abuse?

Learn More About Domestic Abuse

• The Five Types of Domestic Abuse
• What is Coercive Control?
• What is Emotional or Mental Abuse?
• Are You a Victim of Gaslighting?
• What is Financial Abuse?
• 14 Misconceptions About Domestic Abuse
• 25 Relationship Red Flags
• How Abusers Speak
• Profile of an Abuser
• Abuse Almost Always Escalates
• Power and Control Wheel Explains Cycle of Violence
• Collecting Evidence of Abuse Without Danger
• Calling a Helpline: What You Can Expect
• When It's Time to Go
• Leaving Without Dying

National Domestic Abuse Helplines and Resources for the Philippines

If you are experiencing domestic abuse in the Philippines, this page provides you with the essential resources needed to find help. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911.

To find help in your area search for your local barangay VAW desk.

Functions of the Barangay VAW Desk

• Assist violence against women (VAW) victims in securing Barangay Protection Order (BPO) and accessing necessary services.
• Respond to gender-based violence cases brought to the barangay.
• Record the number of gender-based violence cases handled by the barangay and submit a quarterly report on all VAW cases to the DILG City/Municipal Field Office and the City/Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (C/MSWDO).
• Keep VAW case records confidential and secured, and ensure that only authorized personnel can access it
• Develop the barangay's gender-responsive plan in addressing gender-based violence, including support services, capacity building, and referral system;
• Coordinate with and refer cases to government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), institutions, and other service providers as necessary;
• Address other forms of abuse committed against women, especially senior citizens, women with disabilities, and other marginalized groups;
• Lead advocacies on the elimination of VAW in the community and perform other related functions as may be assigned.

Women's Care Center, Inc. 0917 825 032 / 0920 9677 852 / landline: 8514 4104/ email: wcc.inc.ph@gmail.com

Women's Crisis Center is a non-stock, non-profit private institution with a firm commitment to end violence against women and to work towards a just and humane society.

The Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC)

The Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC) was established by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 9262 to ensure effective implementation of the law and be the lead coordinator and monitoring body on VAWC initiatives. The Council is composed of 12 member agencies that are tasked to formulate programs and projects to eliminate VAWC based on their mandates, as well as develop capacity-building programs for their employees to become more gender-sensitive to the needs of their clients.

The IACVAWC Strategic Action Plan for 2017-2022 outlines the country's advocacy and communication plan for how they will approach violence against women among other issues related to the welfare of women in the country.

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), formerly known as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), is the primary policymaking and coordinating body on women and gender equality concerns. It continues to build upon the past efforts and achievements in advancing the status of women.

On August 14, 2009, through the Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women, the NCRFW was renamed to PCW, its mandate was expanded and its structure and staffing pattern was revised with the assistance from the Department of Budget and Management. The Commission is then tasked to monitor and oversight the implementation of the Magna Carta, as well as to ensure that government agencies are capacitated in its effective implementation.

Domestic Abuse Statistics in the Philipines

• One in five women aged 15-49 have experienced either physical and sexual violence
• Only 30 percent of those who have experienced violence sought assistance from designated agencies or authorities, 66 percent of whom choose to seek help within their family network.
• In 2013 more women outside paid employment have experienced violence, at 36 percent, compared to the 22 percent who are employed.
• 70 % of those who experienced violence do not seek help from designated agencies or authorities because of fear of reprisal and poor confidence and perception of public service providers.
• 66 percent of whom choose to seek help within their family network.
• in 2013 more women outside paid employment have experienced violence, at 36 percent, compared to the 22 percent who are employed.

Source: 2013 National Health Demographic Survey