COVID-19 has forced most people to keep safe and help reduce the spread
of virus by staying at home. But for many survivors of gender-based violence, being
in quarantine means being in the center of a different kind of danger.
The United States’ National Domestic Violence Hotline has identified
some of the unique impacts of the pandemic on victims, pointing out that the
current situation has emboldened abusers to exert control over them:
·
Abusers may deny their victims essential and life-saving items like hand
sanitizers, disinfectants, or even insurance cards.
·
They may also share misinformation about the pandemic to scare and
control their victims, and even prevent them from going out of the house to
seek medical help if they show symptoms.
·
Programs that serve victims may be significantly impacted as they buckle
under funding pressure.
·
Victims may also fear entering shelters because of the possibility of being
in close quarters with others as the threat of COVID-19 remains high.
·
Travel restrictions due to quarantine may impact a victim’s escape or
safety plan.
Institutions like the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the
Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) have sounded the alarm on the rising
incidences of domestic violence during the pandemic, especially in a country
where 3 out of 20 women and girls aged 15-49 have
experienced physical violence, 1 out of 20 has suffered from sexual violence,
and 1 out of 4 married Filipina has experienced spousal violence (based on the 2017 National
Demographic and Health Survey). Given the new
challenges victims now must deal with in escaping their abusers and calling for
help, these institutions have urged everyone to be vigilant and immediately
report any form of abuse in their homes and communities.
The Philippines’ case is part of a global pattern, a
consequence of the pandemic and the lockdown orders that followed. This is
why Avon is joining women’s organizations and advocates from all corners
of the world in appealing to the public to not to turn a blind eye on
gender-based violence during COVID-19. To further support grassroots efforts in
securing the safety of vulnerable women, the Avon Foundation For Women
has pledged $1 million to non-government organizations providing front-line
services such as helplines and refuges, building on its 15-year commitment to
help end violence against women and girls.
Avon is also launching a communications effort among its five million
Representatives worldwide, their customers, and their communities. Isolated Not Alone focuses on raising awareness on
domestic abuse amidst COVID-19; signposting where to go for help and how to
identify and support those at risk; and calling on governments to support the
provision of life-saving services, which are in danger of further funding cuts
and de-prioritization.
“Domestic violence is already an epidemic which is hidden behind closed
doors,” says Angela Cretu, Avon CEO. “Like COVID-19, it’s a
silent killer. We’re going to make sure those who are isolated know they are
not alone. In addition to giving funds to NGOs through the Avon Foundation For
Women our Avon teams will be donating vital products—from personal care to hand
sanitizers and soaps—to refuges across the world.”
In the Philippines, Avon is embedding emergency hotline numbers and
other life-saving information into lifestyle content delivered digitally
through local celebrities and digital influencers, so that women can access the
support they need with reduced risk of exposure to abusers. Partner NGOs’
hotlines are also open 24/7 to accommodate victims with capacity-building
programs for service providers, food and hygiene packs, and counseling and
legal consultations.
“Empowering women is Avon’s long-standing legacy, and their safety is
our priority,” says Razvan Diratian, General Manager of Avon
Philippines. “As the community quarantine is extended in various regions
here, the risk of women and children isolated with domestic violence abusers
increases too. Please join us by speaking out if you know a friend or a
neighbor who needs support.”
Spread
the word. Show your support for the cause by sharing it with the hashtag #isolatednotalone
on your social media channels. Let’s reach out to every woman in need. For more
information, go to www.avonworldwide.com.
Should
you have any information about anyone who may need support against domestic
violence during the enhanced community quarantine, contact the following Avon
NGO Partners:
Luna
Legal Resource Center for Women and Children
(082)
306-5761
Gender
Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE)
(035)
422 84 05 | +63 915 259 3029 | +63 999 576 6679
Women’s
Care Center Inc. (WCCI)
+63
999 577 9631 | +63 920 967 7852 | +63 917 825 0320 | (02) 8514-4104
ING
MAKABABAYING AKSYON (IMA) Foundation
(045)
323 4750
About Avon
For 130 years Avon
has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are
primarily sold to women, through women. Millions of
independent Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands such as
Avon True Color and ANEW through their social networks, building their own
beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon supports women’s
empowerment, entrepreneurship and well-being and has donated over $1billion to
women’s causes through Avon and the Avon Foundation. Learn more about Avon
and its products at www.avonworldwide.com.
About Avon Foundation for Women
The Avon Foundation for Women is committed to supporting issues that
matter most to women. Since its inception in 1955, the Avon Foundation has
promoted or aided charitable, scientific, educational, and humanitarian
activities, with a special emphasis on activities that improve the lives of
women and their
families. Through 2018, Avon
and the Avon
Foundation have contributed over
$1 billion in over 50 countries. Today, Avon global cause programs focus on breast
health awareness and prevention through the Avon Breast Cancer Promise, and to
help end gender-based violence through the Avon Promise to Help End Violence
Against Women and Girls.
#IsolatedNotAlone
#SpeakOut #AvonCares
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