FAQ: VAWC Leave
Frequently Asked Questions with their Answers
What is VAWC Leave?
VAWC Leave is a benefit under Republic Act No. 9262, granting female employees who are victims of violence up to ten (10) days of paid leave to attend to medical and legal concerns.
Who is eligible for VAWC Leave?
Female employees in both private and public sectors who have experienced violence, as defined by RA 9262, are eligible.
What types of violence are covered under RA 9262?
RA 9262 covers physical, sexual, psychological harm, and economic abuse committed against women and their children by their spouses, former spouses, or partners.
Is the 10-day VAWC Leave extendible?
Yes, the leave can be extended when necessary, as specified in a protection order issued by the barangay or the court.
Can VAWC Leave be taken intermittently?
Yes, the leave can be utilized on a staggered basis, depending on the victim’s needs and circumstances.
How can an employee apply for VAWC Leave?
The employee must present a certification from the barangay chairman, councilor, prosecutor, or Clerk of Court that an action related to the matter is pending.
Is VAWC Leave cumulative?
No, unused VAWC Leave cannot be carried over to the next year; it is not cumulative.
Can unused VAWC Leave be converted to cash?
No, any unused VAWC Leave is not convertible to cash.
Are employers required to pay employees during VAWC Leave?
Yes, employers are mandated to pay the employee’s salary during the ten days of absence.
Does VAWC Leave affect other leave benefits?
No, VAWC Leave is in addition to other paid leaves under the Labor Code and Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
What if an employer refuses to grant VAWC Leave?
Employers who deny this right may be penalized in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code and Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
Can male employees avail of VAWC Leave?
No, VAWC Leave is specifically granted to female employees who are victims of violence as defined under RA 9262.
Are there any confidentiality protections for employees availing VAWC Leave?
Employers must handle all matters pertaining to VAWC Leave requests with utmost confidentiality and should not discriminate against the employee for having been a victim of violence.
Does VAWC Leave apply to contractual or probationary employees?
Yes, all female employees, regardless of employment status, are entitled to VAWC Leave if they meet the criteria.
Can VAWC Leave be used for attending court hearings?
Yes, the leave is intended to allow victims to attend to medical and legal concerns, including court hearings.
Is there a time frame within which VAWC Leave must be availed?
The law does not specify a strict time frame, but it should be availed within a reasonable period after the incident, especially when legal or medical actions are necessary.
Can an employee avail VAWC Leave more than once?
Yes, for every separate incident of violence, the employee is entitled to a new set of 10-day VAWC Leave.
Does VAWC Leave cover psychological counseling sessions?
Yes, the leave can be used to attend psychological counseling sessions related to the abuse.
Are there any penalties for employers who discriminate against employees availing VAWC Leave?
Yes, employers who prejudice any person for assisting a co-employee who is a victim under this Act shall be liable for discrimination.
Where can employees seek assistance if their VAWC Leave rights are violated?
Employees can seek assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) or the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for public sector employees.
References
LaborLaw.PH, VAWC Leave, (updated April 7, 2025), https://laborlaw.ph/vawc-leave.
OpenAI ChatGPT-4 (2025), ChatGPT-4 response to author’s prompt on 7 April: “Develop 20 frequently asked questions with their answers for this webpage: https://laborlaw.ph/vawc-leave“, reviewed by J. Del Puerto. OpenAI. Available at: https://chat.openai.com (Accessed: 7 April 2025).
