Advisories & News
Press Release
PCG Toronto Conducts Virtual Information Session on Violence Against Women (VAW)
2021-12-18
PR-2021-76
06 December 2021, Toronto, Ontario – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto conducted an online Information Session on Violence Against Women for its personnel and those of the attached agencies. The webinar, which is in line with the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), was organized in cooperation with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic (BSCC).
Ms. Maricela Lozano and Ms. Marybeth Durante, Manager and Languages Coordinator, respectively of the BSCC, discussed the different types of abuse (cultural/identity, financial/economic, mental/psychological, verbal/emotional, sexual, and physical); the signs and myths of abuse; the situation of victims of abuse; and the support that BSCC provides to victims of abuse.
Notably, Ms. Durante emphasized that alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, there exists a “shadow pandemic” of violence against women, the prevalence and harmful effects of which are far less visible and efforts to address it are under-resourced. She noted that during the first few months since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there has been a 20-30% increase in rates of gender-based violence and domestic violence in some regions of Canada; and a 400% increase in calls for help in a shelter in the Greater Toronto Area.
A Q&A followed the VAW presentation, which was well-received by the officers and staff of the Consulate General and the personnel of the attached Philippine government agencies (POLO and Trade Office Section). Consul General Orontes V. Castro presented Misses Lozano and Durante with Certificates of Appreciation to express the Consulate General’s gratitude for conducting the online information session.
During the flag raising ceremony in the morning of the same day, Consul General Castro gave brief talk to the consular client of Post regarding the 18-day campaign against VAW. Ms. Ivy Evasco, one of the women clients, led the reading of the VAW prayer. – END
Bottom photo: The VAW 18-Day Campaign poster was uploaded and displayed in televisions situated at the Consular Area of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto.