Under RA 9262, psychological violence includes acts or omissions that cause or are likely to cause mental or emotional suffering of the woman or her child. This includes:

• Intimidation, harassment, or stalking
• Constant criticism, humiliation, or belittling
• Gaslighting and manipulation
• Threats of harm to the woman, her children, or her family
• Isolation from friends, family, or support networks
• Controlling behavior (monitoring movements, restricting communication)
• Emotional blackmail or guilt-tripping
• Withholding affection as punishment

Unlike physical abuse where bruises or injuries can be shown, psychological abuse requires different types of evidence:

• Messages and communications — Screenshots of threatening, belittling, or controlling messages
• Witness testimony — Family members, friends, or neighbors who witnessed the abuse
• Psychological evaluation — A mental health professional’s assessment of the emotional impact
• Diary or journal entries — Personal records of abusive incidents
• Medical records — If the abuse led to depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions

RA 9262 and the Anti-Voyeurism Act (RA 9995) sometimes overlap. If the abuser takes photos or videos of the victim without consent, or threatens to distribute intimate images, this can be both psychological abuse under RA 9262 and a separate crime under RA 9995. The victim may file complaints under both laws.