23 March 2023, Calgary – Domestic violence in Canada was the focus of the webinar organized by the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary on 19 March 2021.

Entitled “Understanding Domestic Violence in the Canadian Context,” the webinar had Filipino-Canadian lawyers talk about the aspects of domestic violence based on the criminal and family laws of Canada. Two social workers, on the other hand, spoke about ways to prevent incidences of domestic violence and the social services available for victims of domestic violence.

Atty. Roselyn Bernardo discussed the forms of domestic violence under the Criminal Code of Canada. She explained what a person can do in case of abuse; what the police do in case they receive reports of domestic violence and the evidence they will look for; and what will happen to the person charged with domestic violence and the collateral consequences of a conviction.

Atty. Chantal Borja, on the other hand, explained domestic violence in the context of family violence.  Highlighting the provisions of the Protection Against Family Violence Act, she clarified that intentional or reckless act or omission that causes injury or property damage to a family member and even threats to a family member are both considered family violence. Forced confinement, sexual abuse and stalking are also forms of family violence. Victims of family violence can file for Emergency Protection Order (EPO) or Queen’s Bench Protection Order (QBPO). Further, she expounded on crimes under the Amended Divorce Act and the issue of child custody in a family violence case.

Ms. Francia Bodoso of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society shared the 2019 report of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) showing that 54% of all homicides in Calgary occurred in the context of family violence and that the CPS responded to about 25,000 calls related to domestic violence that year. She added that Alberta had the third highest rate of family violence in Canada in 2019. In the same year, Filipino families in Calgary had the highest number of cases with the Children Services, with domestic violence as mostly the reason for these cases. She urged persons experiencing domestic violence to talk to people they trust; stay with their families or friends; go to women’s shelter; ask support from agencies; and, if needed, call 911. She underscored the duty of a responsible citizen, professional and parent to report incidence of domestic violence for the safety of the concerned individuals and children.

Lastly, Ms. Susan Azarcon of the Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative of Edmonton presented a list of resources and services from the provincial and federal governments that are available for victims of domestic violence. There are also domestic violence focused organizations in Alberta and Saskatchewan providing financial, health, housing, legal and food assistance for these victims. These resources and services are given to persons depending on their immigration status in Canada.

In organizing the webinar, Consul General Zaldy Patron said that it was meant to make the Filipino community more aware about domestic violence in Canada in the hope that none of the Filipinos will find themselves in situations tantamount to domestic violence – neither as a victim nor as a perpetrator.

The webinar can be viewed from the PCG’s Facebook page.