“Ghosting” victims urged: Sue partners for VAWC

CEBU, Philippines — If you are a female victim of “ghosting” suffering in silence because of the emotional trauma that comes with it, now is the time to get even with your male partner.

The sleepless nights you spent and the psychological effects you’re going through are enough grounds to lodge a complaint for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, said Police Captain Galil Nacario, head of the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

Nacario is inviting those who are feeling emotionally abused because of their partner’s sudden coldness towards them to visit the nearest police station and lodge a complaint.

She explained that if the male partner’s ghosting their wife or girlfriend resulted in the latter’s experiencing psychological trauma, which affected their mental state, day-to-day living, and livelihood, the victim can file a criminal complaint.  

 "And then they are dating in an intimate or sexual relationships with their partners nga ang pag-ghost sa ilaha naka cause sa ilaha og emotional pain, distress, worry nga na-apektuhan ang ilahang panghuna-huna, ug ang ilang pag-puyo, ug ilang panginabuhi tungod sa pag-ghost sa ilaha sa ilahang mga hinigugma," said Nacario.

Male ghosting victims, however, have to wait for the enactment into law of House Bill (HB) 611 or the "Anti-ghosting bill" before they could sue their female partners ghosting them.

Nacario said only women are protected at present under the RA 9262.

"But under the VAWC law dili man protected ang mga laki so sorry kaayo sa mga lalaki kay ang giprotectionan gyud sa Republic Act 9262 is ang atoa gyung mga kababainhan," said Nacario.

In July last year, Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. filed House Bill (HB) 611, or "An Act Declaring Ghosting as an Emotional Offense."

Under the proposed measure, ghosting is defined as: when someone cuts off all forms or communication can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting to the 'ghosted' person. Studies have shown that social rejection of any kind activates the same pain pathways in the brain as physical pain, meaning there's a biological link between rejection and pain."

The bill cited the adverse effects of ghosting on one's mental and emotional state. But it did not state any penalty for ghosting if found to be an emotional offense.- FPL (FREEMAN)