Dear Attorney,
I am currently abroad with my partner, and I am concerned about my situation. Is it possible to file a case under VAWC even though we are both overseas? What are my options in this scenario? Thank you for your guidance.

Insights

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9262), commonly known as VAWC, provides protection for women and children against physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuses. This law applies even if the involved parties are outside the Philippines, provided one of the parties is a Filipino citizen or the abusive acts affect a Filipino citizen.

In situations where both the victim and the perpetrator are abroad, the law is still enforceable. The Filipino victim may seek assistance from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, which can facilitate the filing of the case. Under Philippine jurisdiction, VAWC cases can be filed regardless of the geographic location of the individuals, as long as the victim is a Filipino national or has connections to the Philippines. This allows Filipinos living abroad to access legal protection under VAWC.

Additionally, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other government agencies have mechanisms in place to assist Filipinos abroad in filing such cases. The Philippine government ensures that the rights of women and children are safeguarded, whether in the country or overseas.