(CNN Philippines) — As the world awaits “the fight of the century” between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., advocates of violence against women bring to the spotlight the bigger fight that is happening to some Filipino homes: domestic violence.
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), in collaboration with DDB Group Philippines, thought the much-anticipated megafight on May 3 (PHT) is the best time to create awareness and gather support for the different kinds of violence being committed by men against women.
The government-run agency’s graphic campaign mimics the ‘Battle for Greatness’ promotional poster, but with titles that represent the physical, emotional, and psychological abuse women experience. It also has details where violence against women occurs — from the privacy of their own homes and in the public eye.
To bring the issue of violence against women out of the shadows, DDB Group Philippines and its subsidiary Tribal Worldwide plans to strategically place PCW’s series of posters where the ‘Battle for Greatness’ promotional materials are placed, both online and on-ground.
PCW Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa said that violence against women threatens the security of half of humanity and is rooted in men’s desire for ultimate power and control over women.
“Violence against women cuts across all race, religion, age, social demographics, and sexuality. We must put a stop to it,” Verzosa said.
April 30 is the 78th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the Philippines.
Based on a survey conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in 2008, statistics have shown that one in five women ages 15-49 have or are continuing to suffer from domestic violence and intimate relationship violence since age 15.
In 2010, cases of violence against women reported to the Philippine National Police (PNP) rose to 59 percent, with majority of the victims knowing their attackers.
