Essentially, it's any unwanted or unwelcome contact from another person. This can include pushing, shoving, spitting, hugging, touching, or even kissing. Even the act of creating a threatening environment can count as battery, depending on the jurisdiction.
The primary statute addressing domestic violence in the Philippines is Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 ("VAWC Act") and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
Assault refers to the wrong act of causing someone to reasonably fear imminent harm. This means that the fear must be something a reasonable person would foresee as threatening to them. Battery refers to the actual wrong act of physically harming someone.
Simple assault is usually the least severe assault crime, and it is generally charged as misdemeanor assault. Further, the laws of some jurisdictions set forth different degrees of simple assault.
Serious Physical Injuries: If the injuries result in permanent incapacity, loss of a limb, or require more than 30 days of medical treatment, the punishment is prisión correccional or imprisonment from 6 months and 1 day to 6 years.
The penalty for assault and battery depends on the classification of the injuries: Serious Physical Injuries: If the injuries incapacitate the victim for more than 30 days or cause permanent disfigurement, the accused may face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 6 years, depending on the circumstances.
The main difference is that assault is the intimidation portion or the act that makes another person believe they are going to cause you great bodily harm. The battery is the actual contact that occurred without consent.
Legal Guide: Addressing Emotional Abuse and Defamation in the Philippines Filing a Complaint with the Barangay: In cases of domestic or relational abuse, the first step is often to file a complaint with the barangay (local government unit). Filing a Civil Case. Criminal Complaint under R.A. 9262:
The penalty for assault and battery depends on the classification of the injuries: Serious Physical Injuries: If the injuries incapacitate the victim for more than 30 days or cause permanent disfigurement, the accused may face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 6 years, depending on the circumstances.
Under Article 148 of the RPC, the crime of direct assault is punishable with prision correccional in its minimum period and a fine not exceeding PHP 500.00 in the absence of qualifying aggravating circumstances, such as in this case.