Avon sounds the call to #SpeakOut against any forms of abuse
25% of Filipinos, aged fifteen to forty-nine, revealed to have experienced some form of violence during the ongoing health crisis. This includes verbal abuse, which has become a hidden battle that most women face regularly. Verbal abuse remains confusing as it manifests differently. This, on the other hand, manifests differently with gaslighting, judging, blaming, name-calling, condescension, and verbal threats, among others.
The Invisible Battle: How to Watch Out And Speak Out Against Verbal Abuse
According to the Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), verbal abuse often contributes to psychological abuse that women often experience. Aside from that, this can also be penalized as a violation of RA 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
GWAVE Executive Director Sheema Bajana-Samson said:
“Violence in the homes is not ‘away pamilya’ and is everybody’s concern. People should be vigilant. And, watch out for signs of abuse through what is heard verbally and body language as well.”
GWAVE remains one of many non-government organizations and independent agencies that helps rescue survivors. They offer legal assistance and rehabilitation to victims.
Bajana-Samson continues:
“We have survivors also accompany their fellow survivors in hearings, and they do. 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.
Avon encourages women to take a stand. The brand also hopes that people become more self-aware to help others fight verbal and other forms of abuse. Avon conducted a global study of more than eight thousand women in eight countries, including the Philippines. They 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.
Avon Philippines PR and Communications Head Marion Limlengco wants to encourage more Filipinos to join dialogues. She also hoped they to be more aware of this silent battle that has affected more women than actually perceived.
“Filipinas are very resilient women. But it turns out, there are some of us who are going through such invisible battles. And, we don’t even know it. That is why we are tapping a platform where we can freely discuss this issue with no holds barred while still centering on positivity and freedom of expression.”
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 can also catch Avon’s collaboration with the live-streaming app, Kumu. Viewers can enjoy talks, performances, and fun challenges. This, on the other hand, sets to foster awareness of verbal abuse. Aside from that, it also sets to raise funds on 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)
- #SpeakOut Dialogues For All (April 4 via @kumunityheroes)
People can also support the cause through fundraising items like the #SpeakOut Avon True Color Lipstick, Women Empowerment Umbrella, Evita Watch, and Self-love Accessory set available on avonshop.ph.
Part of the proceeds will go to partner organizations. These, of course, include Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Ing Makababaying Aksyon (IMA) Foundation, and Luna Legal Resources Center for Women and Children.
“Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to spark courage and reinforce a sense of community so that no one could feel alone or neglected in their individual battles. It’s time we shed light on this invisible crisis and we can effectively do that only if and when we #SpeakOut.”
It’s time to redefine a culture where everyone becomes more accountable for the words they said. So that no form of abuse—verbal or otherwise—will remain tolerated nor pushed against others.
Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on the scheduled dates of all podcasts and Kumu live streams and join the dialogues against Verbal Abuse. Shop for your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.
