I was ecstatic last night after typing in domestic violence in Google and saw that there's a local campaign in the Philippines against domestic violence. Actress/TV host Ruffa Gutierrez is serving as one of the ambassadors. The long list of supporters includes Reese Withersppon, Salma Hayek, Lauren Conrad and supermodels Daniela Pestova and Adrianda Sklenarikova Karimbeu. Dubbed as “Speak Out Against Domestic violence,” the project was launched internationally in 2004 and is aimed to empower women who are victims of domestic violence. Article written by Rina Jimenez- David in Inquirer.
However, my delight suddenly turned into frustration as I went through the whole article about the foundation. (click here for the article). The reason? There's not even a footnote about men being abused nor were they included in the campaign. Is it safe to assume that the campaign of Avon is directed to men? That men are perpetrators of domestic violence and never victims of it?
Avon's tag line as the Company for Women may be doing them very well as its marketing strategy, but to actually carry this through out their campaign is downright insulting. It's like shouting to the whole world that since men are not their targeted consumers, they don't count, and that they can only protect those who wear bras and lipsticks. This is ridiculous.
I don't have a transcript of what happened during the launching of this event last month, but it was well attended with notable personalities like Rina Jimenez-David, Lea Salonga, Sen. Pia Cayetano, Boots Anson-Roa, Radio DJ's Chico Garcia and Delamar, former beauty titlist Abbygale Arenas De Leon, Cito Beltran and the program's ambassador Ruffa Gutierrez. The event was hosted by Boy Abunda. The event was well attended by women's rights advocates and other illustrados but I'm just wondering why there's not a single mention of men being included in this campaign too. There was not even an acknowledgement that men can be victims of domestic violence too. Even with Avon's press release in their local website, there’s not even one sentence recognizing the fact that domestic violence does not only affect women, but men as well.
Check out their main campaign page and see how biased they are and that this campaign is directed against men without acknowledging the fact that again, this is not a gender issue. It says, “In the Philippines, six women are abused every week. Four wives fall victim to domestic violence everyday. I(t) knows no boundaries-geographic, cultural or social status.” Look at this statement. See how they acknowledge that it is indeed a global issue but not a gender transcending one. Nevertheless, they still call for everyone, men included, to support their cause. How selfish could they be? Their marketing strategy is shameless, a direct attack to the dignity of men, whom they indirectly dub as perpetrators. Men are destined to be doomed.
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2 comments:
I agree with you that domestic violence is not a gender issue. I myself have seen how husbands are verbally abused by their wives. The verbal abuse sometimes escalates to physical fight and worse to serious injuries.
The reason why men as you have claimed are not protected against domestic violence is probably due to the fact that women are relatively physically weaker than men. A wife may punch or kick her husband but the husband could always escape the blows. Whereas, if you hit a woman, the blow will land exactly where it is intended. In other words, as far as physical injury is concerned, women are more susceptible to it than men.
Nonetheless, domestic abuse is not only physical but also verbal and either or both can happen to either the wife or the husband. And I guess both need protection from this painful reality inside the home. Maybe it is your turn to fight for men this time, because these women have taken the cudgels for the abused women.
Our culture looks at the Padre de Pamilya as the head of the family. He is powerful and plays the role of the boss at home. Since it is expected that husbands should live up to their roles seldom do we notice the predicament they face when challenged by their wives.
So, men, it's your turn to voice out and tell the world that you also need protection from your cantankerous wives that drive you crazy all the time. Good luck!
OMG! How could this happen? This is all a bunch of crap! you're right. ANd the person who posted this previous comment. Women are physically weaker and thus more susceptible to physical injury than men.
Women are fightless, too weak to escape her husband's wrath. Crap! if you were to ask me, those women choose their own path. They choose to stay in an abusive relationship more often than not. It's either because of the kids, or they're scared shitless of their partners. Damn! What's lacking in this country is help - direct help and enforcement of laws. If a woman goes to a police to file a complaint, more often than not that woman wouldn't have another place to stay in, or money of her own, to live an independent life. She doesn't have a choice but to go back - then the cycle continues. What we need is quick response. And education. That is the key! Damn all these artists, ambassadors shit! They should help and goddamn ACT! We've had enough of their senseless babbles! Show us what you got!
As for men, dude, you got a long and bumpy way ahead of you. I hope you get all the hope that you need. Thank you for your effort in raising more awareness about this issue. Good luck!
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