Abuse Can Happen To Anyone; Here’s Why Everyone Should Speak Out Against It

“Speak out, and shine bright.” This is the call that brought together advocates, experts, influencers, and content creators at Avon’s Hydramatic Shine Lipstick launch. The event, which coincided with International Women’s Day (IWD), featured popular vlogger Mimiyuuuh and explored the critical role of addressing abuse.

Understanding abuse and its signs

The panel began with host and moderator Anne Gauthier asking how to recognize abuse in our lives. Onna Rhea Cabio Quizo, Executive Director of GWAVE explained that gender-based violence or abuse is already one big umbrella that includes violence against women, violence against children, SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression)-based violence, and violence against women. And among these, she revealed that violence against women is the most prevalent. Physical signs such as bruises, behavioral changes, and isolation were pointed out as notable indicators that someone might be experiencing abuse.

Other experts in the panel, Lynn Pinugu, Co-Founder of Mano Amiga Pilipinas and She Talks Asia, and Ms. Universe Philippines 2023 1st Runner-up Pauline Amelinckx also underscored the critical role of friends, family members and colleagues recognizing the signs and taking steps to offer support. They also emphasized the importance of paying attention to subtle changes and behaviors as potential red flags.

To highlight abuse’s prevalence, Anne referenced an Avon survey among 1,000 Filipinas. It found that about 44% noticed colleagues with physical injuries or signs of domestic abuse, while 48% said a colleague confided in them about receiving abuse from a partner at home.

Recognizing red flags and types of abuse

The panel discussed the importance of awareness when it comes to red flags that could indicate abusive relationships, such as love-bombing Pauline described love-bombing as excessive romance early in a relationship, saying it’s your “partner showing you off on social media, it really gets you to that point where if you feel bad, at that point, to say that he was abusive because he’s been so public with his affections for you. And so everyone would then say, if anything would happen, ‘Oh, but he loves you so much.’”

Aside from love-bombing, abuse can also include gaslighting, control over social interactions, and economic manipulation.

Onna also explained the legal definitions of abuse–encompassing physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, along with the reporting process in the country–stressing the challenges victims face in seeking justice and support. She shared that a lot of women who were abused do not usually have enough evidence to file a case, even in instances of physical abuse. She then emphasized the need for survivors and even everyone in the community to realize the importance of documentation, whether it’s via official police reports or even a medical checkup.

The role of community

The conversation highlighted the pivotal role of community and allies in supporting abuse survivors, advocating the need of creating a supportive environment that encourages victims to speak out and seek help. The panelists shared personal experiences and organizational efforts aimed at providing legal support, psychological counseling, and advocacy for survivors. Onna called for the inclusion of men in the conversation about women’s rights and gender equality, advocating for a collective effort to address and prevent abuse.

Empowerment through awareness and action

Ultimately, the campaign stressed the importance of awareness and action in combating abuse. By educating individuals about the signs of abuse and available resources, communities can better empower survivors to seek help and reclaim their lives. The importance of recognizing and respecting consent was also highlighted, emphasizing the need for clear affirmative consent in all interactions.

Onna shared that with the help of Avon, organizations such as GWAVE can provide help. GWAVE is only one of the few organizations who can provide legal advice and support to survivors, and while their jurisdiction is limited to their province of Negros, they also receive inquiries from other areas through their Facebook page. Onna also proudly shared that they also have a program for their survivors, some of whom are now their facilitators and organizers helping out in their advocacy.

Lyn discussed Mano Amiga’s efforts to educate parents on creating safe spaces for their children, teaching them to respond with empathy and compassion no matter what their children might bring up.

For parents, it is also important to raise children who are aware and are willing to speak up when needed. To train them to recognize abuse when they see it, to build their confidence to do something about it, and to let them understand what consent is.

And also in line with International Women’s Day, Avon’s Hydramatic Shine Lipstick also serves a noble cause. For every lipstick sold, P10 will be donated to partner organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abuse survivors. This initiative highlights Avon’s ongoing commitment to not just enhancing beauty on the outside but also supporting and empowering women in all aspects of their lives.

Avon’s #SpeakOutShineBright campaign served as a compelling call to action, urging individuals and communities to be more vigilant and proactive in addressing abuse. It highlighted the need for empathy, support, and empowerment of survivors and stressed the importance of collective efforts in creating safer, more supportive spaces for everyone. By speaking out against abuse and fostering a culture of respect and equality, we can make significant strides towards eradicating abuse and supporting those affected by it.

For assistance or to support someone experiencing abuse, you can reach out to GWAVE-Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation on their Facebook page.

Read here to learn how parents can further protect their children from sexual abuse.