The Invisible Battle: How to Watch Out and Speak Out against Verbal Abuse
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.
“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.
Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to
collaborations with popular popcasts such as
· 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 in 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)
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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.
# # #
About Avon
Avon has
been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects
people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across
the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their
own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for
gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out
about issues that matter and creating positive change. Through Avon and the
Avon Foundation we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender
violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group. Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.
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Media Contacts:
Avon Philippines Mullenlowe MARC
Gian Figueroa Nikka
Ramos
gianfranco.figueroa@avon.com nikka.ramos@mltreyna.com
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