Manila, Philippines— 1 out of 4 or 25% of Filipinos, aged 15-49, is revealed to have experienced some
form of violence during the ongoing health crisis. This includes verbal abuse, which
has become a hidden battle faced by most women on a regular basis.
Verbal abuse can often be confusing not just for the survivors but also
for the abusers because it manifests differently—gaslighting, judging, blaming,
name-calling, condescension, and verbal threats, among others.
According to the Gender Watch
Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), verbal abuse often
contributes to psychological abuse experienced by women and can be penalized as
a violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children
Act of 2004.
“Violence in the homes is
not ‘away pamilya’ and is everybody’s concern,” says GWAVE Executive
Director, Sheema Bajana-Samson. “People should be vigilant and watch out for signs
of abuse through what is heard verbally and body language as well.”
GWAVE is one of many non-government
organizations and independent agencies that helps rescue survivors by offering
legal assistance and rehabilitation.
“We have
survivors also accompany their fellow survivors in hearings, and they do home
visitations to other survivors as a form of moral support towards each other.” continues Bajana-Samson. “We’re happy to share that we now
have a number of survivors who are emotionally and psychologically ready to
become advocates themselves.”
In celebration of International Women’s Month, and the advocacy to build
a better world for women, Avon sounds the call to #SpeakOut, take a
stand and be more self-aware to help others fight verbal and other forms of
abuse.
Based on a global
study of more than eight thousand women in eight countries, including the
Philippines, found that one in five women are
consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner. Nearly
two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal
abuse within their relationship - the highest amongst the age groups.
Avon Philippines PR and Communications Head,
Marion Limlengco wants to encourage
more Filipinos to join dialogues and be more aware of this silent battle that
has been affecting more women than actually perceived. “Filipinas are very
resilient women, but it turns out, there are some of us who are going through such
invisible battles and we don’t even know it. That is why we are tapping a
platform where we can freely discuss this issue with no holds barred while
still centering on positivity and freedom of expression.”
Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to collaborations with
popular popcasts such as
· Adulting with Joyce Pring, (March 25 via Spotify)
· Camp Confidence Radio Podcast with Ayn Bernos and Rizza Lana-Sebastian, (March
30 via Spotify and YouTube)
· The Eve's Drop Podcast feat. Delamar Arias, Monica Francesca Tobias,
and Gelli Victor with special guest, Ms. Universe 2015 and Avon Intimate
Apparel ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach (March 30 via Spotify)
Everyone is also invited to catch Avon’s collaboration with the
livestreaming app, Kumu, where viewers can enjoy talks, performances,
and fun challenges—all to foster awareness on verbal abuse and raise funds in
behalf of Avon’s partner organizations that help abuse survivors. Here’s the
full lineup:
·
#SpeakOut Dialogues
with Women (March 25 via @kumunityheroes)
·
#Speakout Kumunity
Challenge (March 28 to April 3)
·
#SpeakOut
Fundraising Livestream (March 30)
·
#SpeakOut Dialogues For All (April 4 via @kumunityheroes)
People are also encouraged to support the cause through our fundraising
items like the #SpeakOut Avon True Color Lipstick, Women Empowerment Umbrella,
Evita Watch, and Self-love Accessory set available on avonshop.ph where part of
the proceeds will be donated to partner organizations including Gender Watch
Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Ing Makababaying
Aksyon (IMA) Foundation, and Luna Legal Resources Center for
Women and Children.“Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to spark
courage and reinforce a sense of community so that no one could feel alone or
neglected in their individual battles. It’s time we shed light on this
invisible crisis and we can effectively do that only if and when we #SpeakOut.”
concludes Limlengco.
It’s time to redefine a culture where everyone becomes more accountable
for the words being said so that no form of abuse—verbal or otherwise—will be
tolerated nor pushed against others.
Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on the scheduled dates of all
podcasts and Kumu livestreams and join the dialogues against Verbal Abuse. Shop
for your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.