By The Star Staff
As part of the initiatives aimed at the prevention of gender violence, the Office of the Women’s Advocate is extending its most recent educational campaigns in various high schools and universities in Puerto Rico, interim advocate Madeline Bermúdez Sanabria said Monday.
“Through education, social change is generated and in this way, we aspire to transform situations of inequality and violence,” Bermúdez said. “Educational institutions are an ideal space to evaluate, reform and recreate society, particularly for the new generations. For this reason, during the months of August and September, our staff will visit several institutions throughout the island.”
Among the efforts is an educational campaign aimed at combating macho culture, “Recognize Yourself and Change: Macho Culture Canceled,” which is aimed at raising awareness about micromachismos -- psychologist Luis Bonino’s term for subtle acts of violence that take place in daily life and are for the most part unperceived -- how they manifest themselves and their adverse impact on the overall well-being of women and society in general.
Similarly, the #PonleFreno campaign reiterates among adolescent and adult women that control and humiliation should not be tolerated or normalized within a relationship, highlighting the importance of understanding and identifying the signs and alerts to get out in time of what can become a pattern of abuse.
Another community education effort being carried out under the #PonleFreno campaign is aimed at the prevention of sexual violence. The informational and promotional material for these campaigns is also being distributed at various traffic lights in the San Juan metropolitan area.
“We remind the community that Women’s Advocate has a 24/7 guidance line, free of charge. If you need help, you can call 787-722-2977,” Bermúdez said.