SC reiterates VAWC law applies to lesbian relationships

The Supreme Court has reiterated that the law on violence against women and their children (VAWC) also applies to lesbian relationships.

According to the SC, it denied the petition filed by an individual who was accused of slapping and stabbing her former female partner.

The high court said the petitioner was charged with violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

The petitioner moved to quash the information against her and argued that a woman cannot be charged with violating the law since it was intended to protect against the abusive acts of men.

However, the regional trial court denied the motion, which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals. This prompted the petitioner to file the present petition before the SC.

The SC cited the case of Jacinto v. Fouts, where it ruled that the law applies to lesbian relationships.

The high court held that VAWC may be committed by “any person” against a woman or her child and that the law uses a gender-neutral term when referring to offenders. — VBL, GMA Integrated News