Philippine Consulate in Honolulu to Host End Violence Against Women Online Forum

Since the pandemic started and forced everyone to quarantine at home, it has caused a rise in domestic violence cases.

The emotional, physical and mental stress caused by the pandemic leads to a toxic environment at home that ultimately leads to gender-based domestic violence.

In an effort to raise awareness, the Philippines will hold an “18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW)” from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12. The annual advocacy campaign is held in support of the United Nation’s “UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence Against Women (VAW)” campaign, which calls for global actions to increase awareness, advocacy efforts and share knowledge, resources and solutions in ending gender-based violence.

Aside from the pandemic stressors, violence against women persists because it’s “rooted in patriarchy and gender inequality and as a manifestation of male dominance and control at all levels of society,” according to the UN Women’s Progress of the World’s Women 2019-2020 Report.

Moreover, the report explains that harmful masculinities such as male entitlement, control and dominance has contributed to VAW.

“For instance, laws defining family relationships have historically upheld men’s role as ‘head of the household’, although this has gradually shifted in most contexts in recent decades,” the report says. “However, contemporary economic and social structures continue to ascribe to men the breadwinner role, even when this is not the reality.”

To learn more about domestic violence and programs for survivors in Hawaii, the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu is hosting an online webinar titled “VAW-free Hawaii starts with me: A community forum to end violence against women” on Dec. 10 from 4-5pm.

Panelists include Khara Jabola-Carolus (Executive Director of the Hawaii Commission on the Status of Women), Cristina Arias (Vice President of Survivor Advocacy Services of the Domestic Violence Action Center) and Angelina Mercado (Executive Director of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence).

The online forum will discuss the state of domestic violence and gender-based violence in Hawaii, insights on domestic violence and how we can empower survivors and the community. Moreover, the forum will provide background on various programs in Hawaii that provide victims and survivors with shelter, legal aid, health, counseling and so much more. To register, visit bit.ly/3pJ9kcE.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and are in need of support, please contact one of the following hotlines for further assistance:

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Available 24/7 1-800-799-7233, 1-800-787-3224
Video calls for deaf callers: 1-855-812-1001 (Monday to Friday, 9AM-5PM PST)

Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Oahu: (808) 841-0822
West Hawaii: (808) 322-7233
East Hawaii: (808) 959-8864

Domestic Violence Action Center
Oahu’s PACT 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (808) 526-2200
Maui’s Helping Women 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (808) 579-9581
Kauai’s Domestic Violence 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (808) 245-6362
Kauai’s Sexual Assault 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (808) 245-2144
Molokai’s Community Service Council 24-Hour Hotline: (808) 567-6888