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Vienna, 25 November 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Vienna hosted an in-person and online seminar titled “Migrating for Love and Avoiding the Pitfalls” on November 25, 2025. The session was open to married Filipinos and couples preparing for marriage who reside in Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Slovak Republic.
Leaders from several Filipino organizations in Vienna joined the event in person, including VFÖ, WFWP, CFAA, and PACC. The program was organized by the Philippine Embassy in collaboration with LEPO and MIED.
The seminar tackled a sensitive but urgent issue. It brought attention to the risks of exploitation within marriage, especially in cross-border relationships. Speakers explained why some Filipino women in international marriages may face greater vulnerability. Cultural differences, dependency, and social isolation can create conditions that make abuse harder to spot and even harder to escape.
Participants learned the key signs of exploitation, how to respond when they suspect harm, and where victims can seek confidential help. The discussion also highlighted findings from a 2024 global survey on reported cases of exploitation of women, with Nigeria at the top, followed by Colombia, and in third place, the Philippines, China, and Hungary.
The session also outlined special protection options for victims and witnesses. This included guidance on rights under asylum law, stressing that safety and dignity must always come first.
The atmosphere was informative, emotional, and empowering. The seminar offered a clear reminder that love can cross borders, but it must never come at the cost of a person’s freedom or well-being. With communities ready to see, support, and stand up for those in need, there is always hope.
- Hector Pascua/picture: Ester Ferwelo Platzer (1) Facebook
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