Filipinos in Australia have a long history of fighting and advocating against family violence. It was the Filipino community that first raised the alarm in Australia about the high incidence of family violence in the 1980s. In 1991, a decade-long national campaign was waged by the Centre for Philippine Concerns Australia (CPCA) to raise public awareness on the murders and disappearances of Filipino women. This campaign was partly responsible for the legislation of the Family Violence Provision to the Immigration Act in 1995, a milestone in family law reform.
Hence, it was not a surprise that The Silent Witness Network (TSWN) decided to begin its family violence primary prevention work with the Filipino community.
Last August 26, TSWN held a successful online forum titled “You Are Not Alone”. There were 40 Filipino community leaders from Victoria present. Philippine Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo made a rousing welcome. TSWN Chair Melba Marginson spoke about the historical contribution of the Filipino community in Australia’s fight against family violence. City of Maribyrnong Deputy Mayor Anthony Tran and Wyndham Councillor Jennie Barrera spoke, while six other Councillors including Melton Mayor Kathy Majdlik and Wyndham Mayor Adele Hegedich participated. There were representatives from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Victoria Police and service providers. The event’s highlight was the three Filipino women survivors who openly and bravely shared their stories.
TSWN Coordinator May Red Zafra presented TSWN’s family violence prevention project. An awareness survey conducted on the Filipino community’s understanding of family violence showed:
- 90% of Filipinos are aware of family violence
- 40% get information from social media and 20% from the internet
- 2% get information from local councils; 5% from Police; 10% from community services
- 15% get information from family and friends
- 46% sought support for others and themselves
Watch the online forum here:
TSWN’s Facebook page has Tagalog digital resources on Respectful Relationship, podcasts on intercultural marriages and survivor’s experience, online forums on the roles of the Police, psychologists and a Resilience coach and a video clip of Filipino women saying NO to family violence.
Helpline support worker Lara Cristina Cruz discussed her work. The TSWN HELPLINE is a phone number for Filipinos experiencing family violence. A Tagalog- speaking worker will answer the call and assess the caller’s needs. She will then refer the client to appropriate services and make follow up calls to ensure the client is able to navigate the system. When needed, the client will receive counselling from TSWN.
The presenters thanked the Victorian Government, Councils of Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Brimbank, and Mercy Foundation for their grants to TSWN.
For more information on TSWN and/or if you need help, call: 0490 527 346.
