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.
The Invisible Battle: How to Watch Out and Speak Out against Verbal Abuse
“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.
“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 podcasters:
- 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 live-streaming app, Kumu,
where viewers can enjoy talks, performances, and fun challenges—all to foster
awareness on verbal abuse and raise funds on 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.
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