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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TORONTO HOLDS SEMINAR ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THE COMMUNITY MEMBER’S ROLE
2023-12-12
Consul General Angelica Escalona (center) with Filipino community leaders, non-profit resource persons and Philippine Consulate and attached agency personnel at the VAW awareness Seminar
Toronto, 12 December 2023 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto held a Gender and Development (GAD) Awareness Seminar entitled Violence Against Women and the Community Member’s Role on 12 December 2023 at the Consulate, to cap the 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) that is observed worldwide from 25 November to 12 December each year.
During her welcome remarks, Consul General Angelica C. Escalona shared a story of someone she knew who died due to VAW, which made her realize the gravity of the issue and how it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
The event was attended by Filipino community leaders and the personnel of the Consulate and its attached agencies.
Ms. Latoya Dwyer of the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, Ms. Liezl Sebial of the Catholic Children’s Aid Society, Dr. Liberty Catbagan of Strides Toronto, and the Catholic Community Services of York Region’s Director Adelina Bridi, Ms. Agnes Manasan and Ms. Liezl Chavez gave presentations on the VAW situation in Toronto and the range of programs and services available to the women and children that are experiencing violence.
Dr. Liberty Catbagan, Registered Psychotherapist of Strides Toronto, said, “Vulnerable ang mga kababaihan kasi minsan gusto nila na alagaan ang kanilang mga pamilya, alagaan and kanilang mga relasyon, at dahil hindi nila naiintindihan at nalalaman kung ano ba yung mga patterns ng abused at abusers. Pero pagka pinag aralan na nila, natututo silang ipaglaban ang sarili nila.”
Many participants conveyed appreciation for the information that were shared during the seminar, particularly on resources available in the community. As one participant noted, “Community support is very important as VAWC affects all.” – END
Ms. Liezl Chavez (above) and Director Adelina Bridi (below) of the Catholic Community Services of York Region presenting their programs and services for women and children, especially those experiencing VAW