PRESS RELEASE NO. 33 - 2020

(11 December 2020, Honolulu, Hawaii) – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, in partnership with the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), Hawai'i State Commission on the Status of Women (HSCSW), and the Hawai’i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HSCADV), organized an online forum, “VAW-Free Hawaii Starts with Me: A Community Forum to End Violence Against Women” on 10 December 2020. The event, which was moderated by Vice Consul Andrea Christina Caymo, is one of the information campaigns conducted by the Consulate in support of the “18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women” held from 25 November to 12 December 2020.

During the panel discussion, Khara Jabola-Carolus, Executive Director of HSCSW discussed the state of domestic violence and gender-based violence in Hawai'i. She noted that Filipinos are among the groups experiencing high incidence of domestic violence. She welcomed the Consulate’s active involvement in disseminating information to its stakeholders on the importance of addressing gender-based violence.

Cristina Arias, Vice President of Survivor Advocacy Services of DVAC, meanwhile, shared insights on what domestic violence is and why it is happening. She noted that domestic violence is a systemic approach by one person to attempt to destroy the sense of self and well-being of another person in order to gain/maintain power and control in the relationship. It is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior. Domestic violence is supported by many societal causes, but it is not outside the control of the perpetrator. It is important to dispel the stigma of victims of domestic violence and encourage people to speak out against gender-based violence. DVAC hosts a multi-lingual hotline (808) 531-3771) which victims and other people can use to report incidents of domestic violence. For emergency situations, clients are advised to call 911.

Finally, Angelina Mercado, Executive Director of HCADV, provided information on various programs in Hawai'i that victims can avail of in terms of shelter, legal aid, health, counselling, and other services. Survivors can visit the website of the organization (https://www.hscadv.org/) to find out resources available for them in their locality.

The Consulate plans to continuously hold information campaigns similar to this forum to raise awareness about gender-based violence and domestic abuse. (END)

Panelists for the “VAW-Free Hawaii Starts with Me: A Community Forum to End Violence Against Women”

Officers and staff showing support to the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women