With COVID-19 forcing governments around the globe to mandate quarantine, countless women have found themselves trapped at home with their abusers. In fact, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported 602 rape cases across the country from March 17 to May 23. With the lockdown effectively cutting off any means of help or escape, Avon addresses this increasingly alarming issue through its #IsolatedNotAlone campaign that gives victims of domestic violence access to the support and safety resources they sorely need.
In line with its years-long commitment to help end violence against women and girls, Avon Philippines is taking up the fight by partnering with She Talks Asia for #SpeakOut Online Tribe Meet Up, which can be viewed on June 20, Saturday, from 4:00 to 5:30PM at www.facebook.com/AvonPhilippines and www.facebook.com/SheTalksAsia.
The two-part online event features She Talks Asia co-founder Iza Calzado and CSR Lead for Avon Philippines Ces Francisco, who discuss Avon’s long-time commitment to end Violence Against Women and Girls and the company’s most recent global campaign #IsolatedNotAlone. Avon Ambassador for Violence Against Women Ruffa Gutierrez also joined to support the cause, and give a testimony on how important it is for women to speak out.
This is followed shortly by a panel discussion presenting insights on the issue; possible courses of action; as well as, the proper channels for people everywhere to help. Notable speakers join the roundtable to share valuable information and viable ways to mitigate this critical concern, including gender equality advocate and 2005 Nobel Prize nominee Sen. Risa Hontiveros, journalist and Pulitzer fellow Ana Santos, and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Luna Legal Resource for Women and Children Atty. Romeo Cabarde, Jr. She Talks Asia co-founder Lynn Pinugu moderates the panel discussion.
Local celebrities and influencers have also shown support for the #IsolatedNotAlone campaign by coming up with Trojan Horse videos that offer domestic abuse victims a lifeline without rousing suspicion from their abusers. Published in their own social media accounts, these videos feature athlete and activist Kali Huff and mental health & domestic abuse advocate Kris Ponce-Enrile, along with other personalities, seemingly doing regular, everyday activities that actually provide much-needed information on how to reach out to Avon’s partner NGOs.
The Avon Foundation for Women has already issued P4.5 Million back in May to support local non-government organizations providing front-line services such as helplines and refuges. The emergency grant recipients include Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Women’s Care Center Inc. (WCCI) and ING MAKABABAYING AKSYON (IMA) Foundation. The donation is part of the $1 Million total fund that provides aid for over 250,000 at-risk women and children affected by rapidly rising domestic abuse rates in 37 countries.
While the restrictions due to the pandemic are still in place, it is important to pay attention to those who are disproportionately affected by the protocol of quarantine. With its informative online event and helpful social media videos, Avon continues to push back on gender-based violence during this global crisis, reminding women that they may be isolated, but are not alone.
Show your support for the cause by sharing it with the hashtag #isolatednotalone on your social media channels to spread the word and reach out to every woman in need. For more information, go to www.avonworldwide.com.
Should you know or suspect anyone who may need support against domestic violence, especially during these uncertain times, contact the following Avon NGO Partners:
Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children
https://www.facebook.com/lunalegalcenter/
(082) 306-5761
Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE)
https://www.facebook.com/GWAVEPhilippines/
(035) 422 84 05 | +63 915 259 3029 | +63 999 576 6679
Women’s Care Center Inc. (WCCI)
https://www.facebook.com/wcci.manila/
+63 999 577 9631 | +63 920 967 7852 | +63 917 825 0320 | (02) 8514-4104
ING MAKABABAYING AKSYON (IMA) Foundation
https://www.facebook.com/Ing-Makababaying-Aksyon-IMA-Foundation-131515322286/
(045) 323 4750
This is a press release distributed by Buensalido Public Relations & Communications
Also read: Dads of boys: here’s how YOU can help stop violence against women
