Should the infidelity of a man to a woman not his wife be considered an act of violence against women and their children under Republic Act No. 9262?
While the law gives as example marital infidelity, and not infidelity per se (whether within or outside marriage), it should not be understood to exclude infidelity by a man to a woman who is not his wife – the definition of psychological violence refers to any act or omission which causes or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering to the victim. Surely, the partner of an unfaithful man suffers mental or emotional suffering when he cheats – whether that partner is simply a girlfriend or already a wife.