Marriage is supposed to be built on love, respect, and partnership. However, not all marriages are peaceful. Some couples experience violence within their homes, which can take away happiness and create a cycle of fear.
Violence in marriages is a serious problem that affects not only couples but also their children and society. Through RA 9262, the Philippines shows its commitment to protecting women and children from harm. Everyone should remember that love is not supposed to hurt—marriage must be built on mutual respect and kindness.
In Garcia vs. Drilon, the Supreme Court confirmed that abuse within marriage and intimate relationships is not a private matter, but a public concern; where the state must intervene to protect the rights of women and children1.
What is Violence in Marriage?
Violence in marriage does not only mean physical harm. It can also come in many forms:
- Physical Abuse – Hitting, slapping, or hurting one’s spouse.
- Verbal or Emotional Abuse – Using words to insult, humiliate, or control a partner.
- Sexual Abuse – Forcing a spouse into unwanted sexual acts.
- Economic Abuse – Controlling money or resources to make the spouse dependent.
Applicable Law
In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (VAWC), protects women and their children from abuse.
Under this law, a woman can file a case against her husband (or partner) if she suffers from physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse. The law also provides.
- Garcia v. Drilon, G.R. No. 179267, June 25, 2013, 700 SCRA 352. ↩︎
