PH Embassy in Moscow Strengthens Capacity to Help Victims of Violence, Trafficking with Support of Russian NGO
Marina Erlih (front row, 3rd from right) and Yulia Alekseeva (front row, 3rd from left) of the Russian Non-government organization “Sisters Center” pose for a family photo with Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow after a successful workshop. (Photo by S. Pamocol)
MOSCOW 07 September 2018 — The Philippine Embassy in Moscow conducted an intensive workshop on how to deal with victims of violence and trauma for all of its personnel, in partnership with Moscow-based “Sisters Center” that specializes in handling cases involving sexual violence and trafficking in person.
“We had a very positive experience with the Sisters Center when we worked together on a case. They are a fantastic organization and very passionate about their work so we decided to continue our cooperation and include training of our personnel,” Ambassador to Russian Carlos D. Sorreta said.
“The skills that our team gained will complement nicely the training that they have already received in the DFA,” Ambassador Sorreta added.
Topics discussed during the workshop included types of trauma, proper interaction, victim support, and self-care, with a special emphasis on handling sensitive cases involving women.
The workshop were conducted by Ms. Marina Erlih (psychologist), Ekaterina Batueva (trainer), and Yulia Alekseeva (volunteer/interpreter).
“I do not usually handle Assistance-to-Nationals cases but it’s good to develop these skills since we all interact with members of the Filipino Community and there is always an opportunity to help,” said Cecyrille Lorenzo, an attache of the Embassy’s Political Section.
The Sisters Center was established in 1994 as an independent charity organization that provides assistance to survivors of sexual violence. They provide individual counseling services and institutional training programs. END
Ambassador Sorreta welcomes the guest lecturers from the NGOs Sisters and SafeHouse Foundation and briefly shares about the Philippine Embassy’s work in assisting all Filipino nationals and the need for Embassy personnel to be equipped with the proper skills as frontliners in dealing with cases of violence against women. (Photo by S. Pamocol)