Fil-Ams at New York forum share experiences with domestic violence

Leani Auxilla (left) and Kilusan Bautista share their experiences with domestic violence. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

NEW YORK CITY — Two young survivors gave their accounts of how domestic violence crushed their families, at the first public roundtable discussion of domestic violence held at the Kalayaan Hall of Philippine Center here on October 28.

Representatives of Filipino-American organizations and members of the community at large weighed in animatedly at the forum that coincided with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Aptly called “Breaking Free of Domestic Violence,” the panelists and resource speakers gave valuable insights and little-known resources available to the public, specifically in New York City.

Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Liaison for LGBTQ, RJ Nadal provided additional resources, while Consul General Mario De Leon (L) takes notes.

Two young members of the Filipino community came forward to relate how domestic abuse has ruined their families.

Leani Auxilla, bravely told her story while her mother, Marivir Montebon, listened intently. She also represented the youth organization AF3RM. Another survivor Kilusan Bautista reflected on the horrific incidents that shaped his childhood.

Both were lauded by the Filipino-American community for their courage to speak up against domestic violence.

Help available

Leading the conversation was Sarah Flatto, director of programs and outreach at the Manhattan Family Justice Center (MFJC), a one-stop walk-in center providing all types of assistance to victims of domestic and sexual abuse, trafficking and elder abuse.

The MFJC program is under the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, in partnership with Manhattan District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau. Similar offices are located in other states.

New York domestic violence panelists and resource speakers (left to right) Taylor Gamble of Sanctuary for Families; Sarah Flatto of NYC Family Justice Center; Lt. Patrick Mulcahy of NYPD and Atty. Melissa Chua of NY Legal Assistance Group addressing the community at the Philippine Consulate General of New York. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

New York Police Department (NYPD) Head of Domestic Violence and Abuse Desk, Lt. Patrick Mulcahy, revealed that approximately 285,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported last year through their hotline, ranging from verbal and physical abuse to homicide.

About 800 calls to 911 each day were documented, 62 of which resulted in homicide. It is estimated that one out of three women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

For those who are afraid to come forward, a simple call to NYC hotline 311 connects to advocates of the Family Justice Center who will handle the case with confidentiality.

Free legal assistance is available through the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). Supervising Attorney Melissa Lim Chua spoke about immigration services and pro bono

representation of domestic violence victims, with focus on cases involving removal, asylum and immigration status of the survivors.

Chua explained circumstances of domestic violence that are not limited to physical abuse, including sexual abuse, emotional distress, isolation from families, economic deprivation or financial dependence.

Confidential sanctuary

The Sanctuary for Families, a confidential resource for battered women and New York City’s largest provider of clinical and legal services to domestic violence survivors, works in coordination with the MFJC and NYPD.

Representative Taylor Gamble explained that their unit provides legal services, assistance with public benefits, 24-hour security, housing, shelter, individual counseling, mental and medical health issues and children’s services.

Surprisingly, a former ward of the Sanctuary tearfully rose from the audience to express her gratitude for the life-saving assistance provided to her.

Concluding the event, life and career coach Kristina Leonardi, founder of the New York based The Women’s Mosaic, gave an empowering talk about “Moving On” with basic principles of self-love, self-motivation coupled with relaxation techniques and affirmation.

Consul General Mario De Leon, Deputy Consul General Kira Danganan Azucena and Legal Counsel Felipe Carino welcomed the opportunity to learn about theresources since they are the first responders for affected Filipino families in the Northeast.

Co-sponsoring the event is the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA) Inc, with organizers from the Fil-Am Press Club and community supporters including NaFFAA, Faldef, Unipro, Gabriela NY, Nafcon and Unified.

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