Break the Silence Run: Stop deaf child sexual abuse

Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Inc (GVSP) continues its mission for the deaf community to live in a deaf-inclusive society. Established in 2005, the non-stock, non-profit organization has been working with volunteers in projects for and with the deaf community.

 

Deaf children and women are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. In a study conducted by the Philippine Deaf Resource Center, it was revealed that 65-70 percent of deaf boys and girls are being molested. The large amount of cases continues to rise and remains concealed. However, the deaf community receives little attention.

 

In an effort to raise awareness on putting a stop to the increasing number of cases of sexual abuse of deaf children and women, the five-year program Break the Silence Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Network Project was started by GVSP under the guidance of Stairway Foundation, Inc. It focuses on abuse prevention, identification and response and advocacy both in the hearing and deaf community through different projects set in agencies, schools and communities.

 

The sense of urgency on this issue also paved the way in the organization of a run for a cause event by GVSP entitled Break the Silence Run: Stop Deaf Child Sexual Abuse. It is set to happen on April 21, 2013, Sunday, 5:30 a.m. at Ayala Center Cebu Terraces, Cebu Business Park. There will be four categories: the regular 4K, 8K and 16K and a separate category for Persons with Disabilities (wheelchair, blind and deaf). Registration centers will be available at RUNNR Ayala and Cebu City Sports Center. Registration fee costs 350 pesos and is inclusive of singlet and snacks. Proceeds of the event will be used in establishing a sustainable deaf-child sexual abuse prevention program as well as strengthening and equipping the organization’s existing and future volunteers.

 

Through awareness and advocacy, participants of the cause, whether hearing or deaf, are 

expected to be of great help in ending deaf child and women sexual abuse.

 

Break the Silence Run is supported by Australian Agency for International Development 

(AusAID), VSO Bahaginan, RUNNR, Ayala Center Cebu and the Cebu City Government. For 

more information, contact GVSP through gualandivolunteers@yahoo.com or through the 

following numbers: 0932 202 7333, 0917 701 4700, 0916 440 5480 or Telefax at (032) 416 

7381.  Press release and photo from Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme, Inc (GVSP)