KnowTheLaw: Protecting Women from Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Knowledge is power and when it comes to countering Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), understanding our rights is essential. On the 10th day of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, we highlight key Philippine laws that safeguard women and girls from both offline and online abuse.

TFGBV includes any form of gender-based violence that is enabled, aggravated, or amplified through digital technologies. As online platforms become more central to communication, learning, and work, knowing the legal protections available to us becomes even more critical.

Below are four major laws that empower victims, strengthen accountability, and uphold the dignity of Filipino women:

• RA 9262: The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004
  This law protects women and children from violence by intimate partners, (current or former) live-in partners, boyfriend/girlfriend, or dating partners. RA 9262 covers acts of violence, including Physical Violence, Sexual Violence, Psychological Violence, and Economic Abuse.  Learn more about this RA here.

• RA 10175: Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012
  This law prevents and punishes offenses committed through information and communications technology. This protects users against (1) offenses against the confidentiality of computer data & systems, including illegal access, cyber-squatting, misuse of devices, etc. (2) computer-related offenses, including computer-related forgery and fraud, and (3) content-related offenses such as online libel, cybersex, and junk/spam messages. Read more about this RA here.

• RA 9995: Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009
  In an era where images and videos can be easily recorded and shared without consent, RA 9995 provides essential protection for personal privacy and dignity. The law penalizes: secretly recording intimate acts without consent, sharing, selling, or distributing private images or videos, and publishing or broadcasting such materials online.
  
  These acts have a severe emotional and psychological impact on victims, and the law recognizes them as serious offenses that may lead to imprisonment. Read more about this law here.

• RA 11313: Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)
  The Safe Spaces Act expands the definition of gender-based sexual harassment to include both physical and online spaces. The law addresses: Sexist, misogynistic, homophobic, or transphobic remarks, online sexual harassment, including unwanted messages and sexist comments, stalking and inappropriate physical advances, and harassment in schools, workplaces, streets, and digital platforms
  
  By covering both public and online spaces, RA 11313 strengthens protection against harassment that women experience daily, whether on social media or while walking down the street. Learn more about this RA here.

Staying Informed, Staying Empowered

Understanding these laws helps us recognize abuse, assert our rights, and support others in seeking justice. For more information on violence against women (VAW) and available services, visit:

• Commission on Human Rights (CHR): publicassistance@chr.gov.ph 
• Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women (IACVAWC): iacvawc@pcw.gov.ph

Let’s work together to ensure safe environments for women and gender-diverse individuals—both online and offline. Every informed citizen strengthens the movement toward a #VAWFreePH.