Marie Ramos, Outreach and Training Coordinator at the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project, talks about addressing VAW and her experience in dealing with cases of domestic violence among the immigrant community in the United States during the Talakayan sa Pasuguan on November 12 at the Philippine Embassy, Washington DC. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 approaches, Philippine Embassy personnel and members of the Filipino-American community gathered for a forum on the Campaign to End Violence Against Women.
Marie Ramos, outreach and training coordinator at the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project, shared her knowledge and experience in dealing with cases of domestic violence among the immigrant community in the United States.
Attorney JV Chan-Gonzaga, minister and economic officer at the Embassy, explained Philippine and international laws on the elimination of violence against women and children.
According to Ramos, domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of social class, race and gender. There are also incidences of “in-law” violence. Ramos said expressing empathy and support is the best way to deal with a victim and shared tips on how to receive such information shared in confidence.
“That first conversation is critical. There are varied ways to express empathy and support, such as saying ‘I support you’ or ‘would you like us to seek help and advice together?’ While it is a common knee-jerk reaction, telling the person to ‘just leave’ is not advisable as it can drive the person to do something to put their life at risk. Most importantly, respect the person’s decision, whatever that might be,” said Ramos.
Audience at the Philippine Embassy forum on violence against women and children.
Chan-Gonzaga, meanwhile provided a comprehensive view of international and Philippine domestic legal contexts with respect to eliminating violence against women and children.
He underscored the radical provision of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, which criminalizes several categories of abuse including physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and economic abuse.
The law treats as acts of violence against women and children such acts as causing physical, threatening physical harm, attempting to cause physical harm, placing the woman or child in fear of imminent physical harm, inflicting or threatening to inflict harm on oneself to control the victim’s actions/decisions and knowingly or purposely engaging in conduct that causes substantial emotion or psychological distress to the victim.
“The Philippine law on violence against women and children is state-of-the-art in many respects. However, there is still much to do to enhance enforcement and prosecution capabilities,” said Chan-Gonzaga.
Atty. JV Chan-Gonzaga, Minister and Economic Officer at the Embassy, talks about Philippine and international laws on the elimination of violence against women and children during the Talakayan sa Pasuguan
Both panelists pointed to the historical imbalance in power and gender relations as the main contributory factor to the persistence of violence against women in society. They also emphasized the need to shift cultural attitudes and norms in order to eliminate such violence and pointed out that men can also be victims of domestic violence.
In his welcome remarks, Minister Patrick Chuasoto, chargé d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy, pointed out the importance of discussing the issue of violence against women.
“It is ironic that in conflict situations, for example, women are common targets of violence, and yet they are the ones on whom the families and communities rely the most when it is time to heal and rebuild. It is time that all of us recognize the strength of women, treat them with respect and stop their victimization from violence in their homes and everywhere else,” said Chuasoto.
The forum was part of the Embassy’s Talakayan sa Pasuguan series and the Gender and Development (GAD) program of the Philippine Government. Through the GAD program, the government is working towards mainstreaming gender issues and promoting gender equality in society.
The Domestic Violence Research Project is a Washington, DC-based, survivor-centered and survivor-run organization which aims to address, prevent, and end domestic violence and sexual assault in Asian/Pacific Islander communities while empowering survivors to rebuild their lives after abuse. The organization provides survivor services, community outreach, and technical assistance.
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