In the Philippines, the last country in the world outside the Vatican where divorce is illegal, women in troubled marriages pay a steep price. With only limited and difficult legal options, women either stay in abusive homes or turn to more unsavoury solutions. Untying the Knot follows the fight to legalise divorce in the Philippines through the eyes of 3 women. We follow Grace, Faith, and Mercy, who are fighting social and legal obstacles to break free from their abusive marriages. We see their struggles, the toll, and, with limited prospects and resources, how far they are willing to go.

Women are overwhelmingly the victim when it comes to violent crimes against intimate partners. One in three Filipino women has experienced spousal abuse. Without any accessible legal way to dissolve one's marriage, most women get trapped in abusive marriages or flee at the risk of being charged with adultery - a crime that can only be charged against wives, with a maximum sentence of 6 years in prison. In shining a light on the long-lasting consequences of the divorce ban, Untying the Knot aims to put pressure on lawmakers in making significant legislative changes to better protect women and children, and allow for absolute divorce in the Philippines. Through partnerships with international NGOs, we hope to create a societal shift in attitudes toward domestic abuse and make it unacceptable.