PR-24-2025
20 November 2025, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — The Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne convened a community forum in support of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). The event gathered around 50 participants, including community leaders, partner organizations, and delegates of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) – Australia 2025.
Speakers highlighted legal protections under Philippine and Australian frameworks, practical referral pathways, and the shared responsibility of government, institutions, and communities to prevent and respond to VAWC. The program featured Atty. Mildred Martinez-Tria on laws, rights, and responsibilities; Hon. Amielyn Limbona, former Commissioner of the Philippine Commission on Women, on cross-border collaboration and community education; and Atty. Michelle Martinez and Atty. Rochelle Castro of the Filipino-Australian Lawyers Association of Victoria (FALAW) on family-law support and accessible services for the Filipino community.
Consul Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao presented the Consulate’s survivor-centred protocols and formally introduced the VAWC Desk (ATN contact point) as the dedicated channel for receiving concerns, providing guidance, and linking survivors to appropriate services in coordination with host-country authorities and partner organizations.
Post reaffirms its commitment to promoting the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and children within the Filipino community. END
