FYLPRO, PH Embassy urge end to violence against women

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) co-hosted a webinar entitled, “Stop Domestic Violence” in line with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2020 featuring speakers (clockwise from top right) Ana Jayme, Christine Lee, Joyce King, and moderator Dr. Joyce Javier. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON – A webinar entitled “Stop Domestic Violence” marked the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

Co-hosted  by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), the webinar was part of an advocacy campaign to end violence against women that is observed annually from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 in the Philippines.

FYLPRO President Joshua Ang Price shared his personal story of surviving domestic violence as a child, and expressed hope that the discussion would “help women in similar situations find the courage and resources to get out of those and find themselves in a better place.”

Christine Lee, an Emmy-nominated storyteller with over 10 years of professional experience as a TV journalist, shared her experience as a domestic violence survivor, and identified warning signs of violence within intimate relationships. Lee continues her advocacy as the President and CEO of Kimbop TV LLC – a storytelling brand that talks about business and empowering her fellow survivors of domestic violence.

“Shame and stigma discourage so many people from telling anybody about what they are experiencing,” Lee explained. “But I think events like this help to dispel that sense of shame and let people know it’s okay and that they are not alone.”

Joyce King, Chief Counsel at the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office and FYLPRO alumna, focused on the fundamental rights of domestic violence victims, regardless of their immigration and citizenship status, and what they should expect when seeking legal assistance.

While navigating the U.S. justice system can be very overwhelming, Joyce emphasized that resorting to legal means, such as obtaining a protective order, is one of the most effective ways to save a victim’s life.

Anajay Jayme, a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a founding partner of Bridges to Healing Counseling and Training Center, presented prevention strategies, resources for survivors, and what allies can do to better support survivors, especially in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities where domestic violence is typically not openly discussed.

The event was moderated by Dr. Joyce Javier, an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and a Senior Advisor for FYLPRO’s Caretaker Project.

FYLPRO’s COVID-19 Task Force developed the Caretaker Project in response to the ongoing pandemic and to tackle the specific needs of Filipinos in the diaspora and back home. The project features a virtual help desk, Tayo Help, which contains a list of resources and information on domestic violence.

“Stop Domestic Violence” is accessible on the Embassy’s Facebook page and questions for the panelists may be anonymously submitted to [email protected].

Call 911 if a life-threatening situation arises from domestic violence. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to seek the Philippine Embassy’s assistance, you may call its Assistance-to-Nationals and Violence Against Women hotline (VAW) at +1 202 769 8049 or send an email to [email protected].