17 October 2014 – The Alliance for Community Empowerment (ALLICE) has conducted another empowering event for women and their families on October 02 as it hosted its 10th Annual Free from Violence Seminar and Resource Fair at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center.
ALLICE organized the event in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
The event sought to educate the audience and increase their awareness on the situation of women who are caught in abusive relationships. One of the survivors gave a tearful account of her experiences with various forms of abuse, which was committed by people close to her, and her struggle to find justice.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Consul General Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.underscored that the issue of domestic violence deserves the full support of all sectors of our community. The Consul General also thanked ALLICE for their passionate, consistent and dedicated efforts in raising awareness on domestic violence. Organizers, resource providers and guests were also led by Consul General Bensurto in a pledge to end domestic violence.
Assembly member Rob Bonta was also present at the event. In his address, he stressed the importance of working on building healthy family relationships and in teaching and showing the younger members of our families the importance of respect. He also stated that laws are in place that are aimed towards protecting the victims of domestic violence.
A means to empower victims of abuse is to provide assistance to them. During the seminar, ALLICE’s outsanding allies, people and organizations that help the victims and fight for the cause to end domestic violence, were recognized. This year, Mr. and Mrs. Lazaro Fabian of the Epiphany Church Knights of Columbus were honored and commended for their efforts to end domestic violence. END