THE FILIPINO WOMEN ASSOCIATION-UK MEETS FILIPINO LONDON METROPOLITAN POLICE OFFICERS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWS IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH, PHILIPPINE EMBASSY WEDNESDAY 29 TH MARCH 2023.
The FILIPINO WOMEN ASSOCIATION-UK was invited by the Philippine Embassy to attend an activity in celebration of National Women’s Month on Wednesday, 29 March 2023, at Sentro Rizal London.
London Metropolitan Police officers of Filipino heritage, Detective Superintendent Joe Derilo, Sergeant Charina Boys, and Police Constable Danielle Noble, facilitated a seminar on domestic violence laws, as part of the Embassy’s Lecture Series for the Filipino Community – Laws Focusing on Women and Their Rights.
In attendance were FWA-UK Chairman Ms Dulia Prado, and Vice Chairs Crystal Dias and Linda Challis, former Chairman and case worker for Surrey Police Jeannette Thomson, founding member Marivicki Arando, and adviser to the Executive Board Dr. Remy Reyes. The FWA-UK ladies met in person the new Ambassador Teodoro “Teddy” Locsin and Madam Ma. Lourdes Barcelon Locsin, including Mrs. Dr. Wito Quimson, daughter of the FWA-UK founder Tita Nene Quimson.
During the discussion, Jeannette Thomson raised the fact that during the 2021 lockdown, cases of domestic abuse increased by over 30%. One of the cases she worked on was a victim of domestic violence perpetrated by the husband, who was an inspector within the police force. She asked how the police will be able to gain the confidence of the public, especially victims of domestic violence, that they will take the case seriously. DS Joe Derilo replied that MET’s internal affairs created a separate team to deal with domestic violence perpetrated by police officers, and resources and equipment were specially allocated to the team to reassure and win the confidence of the public. They have a strategy to do better by partnering with organizations such as Women’s Aid and Southall Black Sisters. Domestic violence is a priority in the MET.
The goal of the seminar/workshop by the Metropolitan Police is to initiate a relationship with the Filipino community in London and have a better understanding of the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence.
The FWA-UK ladies wore purple to celebrate Purple Wednesday.
Crystal Dias
FWA-UK