PRESS RELEASE NO. 13-2023

Consul General Emil Fernandez delivers his opening remarks during the domestic violence awareness workshop.

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 13 February 2023- Personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu participated in a three-part information session and workshop on domestic violence (DV) awareness on 02, 03 and 09 February 2023, as part of its activities to support the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

Resource persons from the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), a Honolulu-based agency which provides counselling support, legal assistance, and services to victims of domestic abuse, conducted the workshop.

In his opening remarks, Consul General Emil Fernandez highlighted the need of Post’s personnel to be fully aware and have a thorough understanding of DV to enable the proper handling of domestic abuse affecting overseas Filipinos and Filipino immigrants in Hawaii. He acknowledged and thanked DVAC for its support and cooperation in assisting members of the Filipino community in Hawaii through its advocacy programs and services.

During the information session and workshop, DVAC’s Vice President of Survivor Advocacy Services, Cristina Arias discussed the situation of domestic abuse in Hawaii. She noted that Filipinos are identified among the ethnic groups with high incidence of DV. With its culture-specific programs and support groups, DVAC has been able to cater to victims of domestic abuse of different nationalities. DVAC works with Filipina advocates proficient in Tagalog and Ilocano in assisting Filipino DV victims.

Persons who are experiencing domestic violence or abuse may contact DVAC through its Hotline Number: +1808-5313771.

DVAC VP of Survivor Advocacy Services Ms. Cristina Arias delivers her presentation on domestic violence.