Belize observes day against domestic violence

Each year on November twenty-fifth, governments, non-governmental organisations, and private sector concerns across the globe hold activities to raise awareness about violence against women. Belize is no exception, and today a special ceremony took place at the Battlefield Park in Belize City. According to the Director of the Women’s Department, Anita Zetina, since 1985 they have been campaigning to end the abuse, which continues to cripple the nation’s social development.

Anita Zetina, Director, Women’s Department

“This year alone we have seen ten deaths as a result of domestic violence. Despite all the efforts to eliminate violence in our homes, we still find reports coming in to the Police Department, the Family Court, and the Women’s Department on violence occurring in the home. The awareness, I believe, has been created; and hence, the reason why the people are coming out to report the issue more. We cannot say at this time that it has gotten worse, but I think the awareness has enabled people to seek help. We also recognise that in this whole process we are also receiving reports from men. And hence, calling on an end to family violence because although the statistics still show more women and children being affected by violence, we also do have reports of men reporting abuse. And so that is why we are calling on the general public, on all Belizeans to report violence, to recognise that violence in the home contributes to violence in our streets.”

Zetina says services are available to anyone who may be in need of assistance. The police department has established a Domestic Violence Unit to specifically address the problem, while Family Court provides protection and occupation orders. Abused persons can also seek shelter at safe homes where counselling and temporary financial assistance is available.