Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998, Republic Act No. 8505 (Philippines)

The Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998 mandates agencies and non-governmental organizations to establish and operate a rape crisis center in every province and city hall to provide legal assistance to rape victims and provide programs aimed at their recovery. These agencies include the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Justice, and a lead nongovernment organization with proven track record or experience in handling sexual abuse cases. It provides for the duty of the police officer receiving a complaint for rape to arrange for counselling for the victim. It requires that the privacy of the victim be protected. The Act also introduces the concept of "rape shield" where the complainant's past sexual conduct, or opinion of his/her reputation shall not be admitted as a general rule.