Posted by noemi in Filipina in the News | 2 Comments
What Filipina Women Say About Domestic Violence
Battered women who want to recover their self-esteem should invoke Republic Act (RA) 9262 “Anti-Violence Against Women and Children even if our justice system is slow and at times exasperating.
HOTLINE FOR ABUSED WOMEN is +632-922-5235 or +632-926-7744
Donations in cash and kind are welcome at the Women’s Crisis Center, 3F ER-Trauma Extension, Annex Building of the East Avenue Medical Center in Diliman , Quezon City
I think that violence at home, or between intimate partners, is as abhorrent as violence of any kind. It destroys not only the trust and love between partners, it also kills the human spirit. And while physical bruises may heal, the deeper scars and damage is inflicted to the psyche and to the soul. First of all, I think women who have been physically abused should realize that they are not powerless and that they can do something to get out of it. I think reclaiming one’s own power to change a situation, however hopeless it may seem, is the most important first step to take in rebuilding one’s self-esteem. Instead of blaming, or looking for excuses, facing the situation head on and deciding things are going to change is already a turning point and heading in the right direction.—Tippi Ocampo, fashion designer
A man is never justified in beating any woman. It is not just about his inability to control rage, although that may be a factor. More importantly, it is a symptom of a broader societal malaise that nurtures violence and accepts the subjugation of women to men. He is a product of a macho culture that accepts this behavior and even emulates it. It is a criminal behavior that should never be condoned by friends, relatives, and neighbors.
A battered woman should build a support group around her. She needs reassurance that there are people around her who love and care for her and that she can survive outside the abusive relationship. She should also seek professional counseling. Often, battered women are trapped in a cycle of violence where they often justify the behavior of their abusive partners and end up going back in their arms only to be abused again. She has to realize that any form of violence on her is never justified. —Ingrid Gorre, lawyer
Read more at What women say about domestic violence
Hi Noemi,
thanks for the post! I am planning to come to the Philippines next year and e-mailed you about the type of work I’m interested in doing.
This is an interesting piece. Violence against women is a growing issue in the United States. Recently, I learned about Vista Maria, which is an organization that helps young women in need. It’s one of the leading non-profit groups that curtail violence against women. Visit http://www.Vistamaria.org to learn more about the organization. They have an endless list of resources to help women.