President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act on March 8, 2004. This landmark legislation criminalized acts of violence against women and their children in intimate relationships, providing both criminal and civil remedies including protection orders.

The Supreme Court, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Justice, and other agencies, approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9262. The IRR provided detailed procedures for filing cases, issuance of protection orders, and coordination among agencies.

Former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.'s son challenged RA 9262's constitutionality on equal protection grounds. The Supreme Court upheld the law's validity, ruling that the classification was based on substantial distinctions and served legitimate governmental interests in protecting women and children from domestic violence.

The Supreme Court clarified the definition of 'dating relationship' under RA 9262, ruling that a single romantic encounter is insufficient. The Court held that the relationship must be characterized by courtship and must have begun with the hope or expectation of romantic involvement.

The Supreme Court clarified what constitutes economic abuse under RA 9262, specifically addressing the withdrawal of financial support. The Court ruled that mere cessation of support without proof of deliberate intent to cause mental or emotional anguish is insufficient to constitute violence.

The Supreme Court established the elements required to prove psychological violence under Section 5(i) of RA 9262. The Court held that there must be proof of actual psychological harm or trauma caused to the victim, not merely marital indiscretions or offensive words.

The Supreme Court issued revised rules on the issuance of protection orders under RA 9262 and RA 7610, streamlining procedures and clarifying jurisdictional issues. The new rules expanded coverage and simplified application procedures for victims.

The Supreme Court further refined the requirements for proving psychological violence, holding that emotional suffering must be proximately caused by the accused's acts. The Court emphasized that marital conflicts alone do not automatically constitute VAWC.

The Supreme Court clarified that VAWC cases are public crimes that cannot be compromised or settled even if the victim executes an affidavit of desistance. The Court emphasized the State's interest in prosecuting domestic violence regardless of victim's subsequent wishes.

The Supreme Court addressed modern forms of harassment, ruling that persistent unwanted communication through social media and electronic means can constitute psychological violence under RA 9262 when it causes mental or emotional suffering to the victim.

The Supreme Court issued interim guidelines for VAWC protection orders during the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine, allowing for electronic filing and remote hearings to ensure continued access to protection despite mobility restrictions.

The Supreme Court ruled on the application of RA 9262's prohibition on firearm possession by VAWC offenders, holding that actual possession during commission of the act is not required if a valid protection order has been issued prohibiting firearm possession.

The Supreme Court addressed whether RA 9262 applies to same-sex relationships, ruling that while the law's plain text refers to heterosexual relationships, psychological and physical violence in same-sex intimate relationships may be prosecuted under general criminal laws or RA 7610 when applicable.