Family Law Guide
Verbal Abuse Under RA 9262 in the Philippines
Verbal abuse is a form of psychological violence under RA 9262. Words that demean, threaten, intimidate, or control are not just hurtful — they are illegal when committed against a woman or her child by a current or former intimate partner.
What Counts as Verbal Abuse Under RA 9262?
RA 9262 does not define “verbal abuse” as a separate category, but it falls under psychological violence. The law covers acts that cause mental or emotional suffering, including:
- Name-calling and cursing
- Public humiliation and embarrassment
- Threats of physical harm or death
- Threats to take away the children
- Threats to destroy property
- Constant criticism and fault-finding
- Gaslighting statements designed to make the victim question their sanity
Why Verbal Abuse Matters Legally
Many people think “he just said words, it’s not a crime.” But the law recognizes that verbal abuse can cause deep emotional scars and may escalate to physical violence. RA 9262 was designed to address all forms of abuse, not just physical ones. A Protection Order (BPO, TPO, or PPO) can be issued based on verbal abuse alone, provided there is sufficient evidence.
The absence of physical violence does not mean the abuse is not happening. The law protects women from all forms of violence, including verbal and psychological abuse.
What to Do If You Are Experiencing Verbal Abuse
- Document the abuse — Save voice recordings (if legally permissible), screenshots of messages, and keep a journal of incidents with dates and descriptions.
- Talk to someone you trust — A family member, friend, or counselor who can support you.
- Seek a Barangay Protection Order — Go to your barangay and request a BPO. The barangay is required to act on your complaint.
- File a complaint — At the prosecutor’s office or the Women and Children Protection Desk of the PNP.
- Reach out to DSWD or a women’s shelter — For immediate assistance and support.
Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general legal information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, rules, fees, procedures, and office requirements may change. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified Philippine lawyer. AttyKalibre Legal Center provides free legal information and general legal guidance. Reading this page does not constitute legal advice or establish a lawyer-client relationship.
ano po kayang pedeng maikaso sa verbal abuse ng pasyente sa isang healthcare worker?
Atty sinasaktan po ako Ng kinakasama ko lahat po Yun tiniis ko pero po pati mga anak ko grabe nya saktan suntok sipa,tapos po araw Araw nya KO sinasabihan Ng masasama.tapos po may babae pa ano po ang dapat ko gawin
Atty,kalibre gusto ko po magtanung ano po ba ang magiging kaso ko po sa company kung yung kasama ko po sa trabaho nagsumbong po sa boss nmin n sinusuhulan ko raw sya. dahil ung items na pinakisuyo ko po sa kanya ay isang eyeglass.pero yung frame ay personal ko po s akn po nangaling at yung lens po sa optical manggagaling..ang sinabi ko po sa kanya..s kanya na po ung bayad s frame at yung bayad s lens ibigay nya po sa optical maari po nila akong kasuhan sa nangyari…pero hinde rin po natuloy dahil dipo bumalik ang kliyente..anu po magiging kaso ko po dun, maraming salamat po
attorney buntis po ako peru niloko ako ng ama ng bata bigla nlng nalaman ko na nagpakasal sya kasi my girlfriend pala sya peru hindi nya yun sinabi sa akin grabi ang depression na dinadanas ko ngayon meron akong mga ebedinsya screenshots ng aming conversation na talagang pinaniwala nya ako na gusto nyang magka anak sakin at wala syang gf o asawa pwedi ko po ba siyang masampahan ng kasong emotional abuse?
Good Day po, Atty. Kalibre. Gusto ko lang pong malaman kung sakop din po ba ng batas na ito ang mga babae?
Attykalibre .Ano poh dapat kung gawin
Sa kapitbahay na laging nag paparinig na kung ano-ano salita.
Manga nakak insultong salita tulad ng kapal ng mukha mo ,manga kapitbahay na walang hiya yan poh sina sabi niya
Ano poh dapat gawin sa kapitbahay upang ma tigil na siya.
😭😭 oo Ng no