PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

01 December 2025 - The Philippine Embassy in Canberra joined the observance of the Philippine’s 18-Day Campaign (November 25 to December 12, 2025) to End Violence Against Women and conducted an orientation on domestic violence for the Filipino Community on 01 December 2025.

The orientation aimed to increase awareness and understanding about the forms, signs and dynamics of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), as well as the legal frameworks and protection mechanisms available in the Australian Capital Territory.

Ms. Lucia Cynita Rago, Assistant Director at the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and a domestic violence case manager and women’s rights advocate, made a presentation on “Understanding Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) among Migrant Women.” She discussed the definition of DFV in the Australian context, the situation of DFV in Canberra as well as the vulnerabilities faced by migrant women.

Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) ACT Deputy CEO Ms. Brooke McKail and Policy and Communications Officer Ms. Darlene Rowlands made a presentation on “Understanding, Identifying and Responding to Domestic Violence” and provided information on early intervention and available resources in the ACT for victims of DFV.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major health and welfare issue in Australia. It occurs in all socioeconomic, religious and cultural groups and can have wide-ranging consequences for physical and psychological health, economic security and social wellbeing. IPV takes many forms and is a subset of family and domestic violence.

The orientation was attended by Filipino community leaders, Filipino-Australian health professionals, who actively participated in the open forum that followed the orientation.

The DVCS is an inclusive service providing support to people in the Canberra community who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing intimate partner, domestic or family violence. Its services include crisis intervention, safety planning and access to safe emergency accommodation.