MANILA, Philippines — A bill that will recognize battered husbands as victims of domestic violence or sexual assault has been filed in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Margarita Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list filed House Bill 1365 or Domestic Violence Act of 2022, which seeks to include battered husbands in the coverage of the Violence Against Women and Children Act (VAWC).
Nograles said members of the LGBTQ+ who are victims of domestic abuse and maltreatment should also be covered by the law.
The proposed measure seeks to amend Republic Act 9262 or the VAWC Law so it may cover the male equivalent of abused and battered wives.
“The term ‘partner,’ as it is plainly used, is gender-neutral. So it makes no discrimination,” Nograles said.
Nograles, who is a lawyer, provides free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, including men.
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,” she said.