U.S. Chargé Throws Support behind 16 Days of Activism

Keith Gilges

Earlier this week, a Belize City resident was shot to the groin by his common-law wife, who had made numerous reports to the domestic violence unit. In fact, police officers have been called out to her residence at the corner of Magazine Road and Vernon Street countless times to intervene, in what neighbours say, was the constant beat down of the woman at the hands of her husband. While this incident is just one of many that have been reported, there are many others who suffer in silence. Activities are being held under the theme, Hear Me Too: End Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls. Today the U.S. Chargé d’affaires Keith Gilges issued a video statement lending support to the international campaign.

Keith Gilges, Chargé d’affaires, U.S. Embassy, Belize

“This year’s theme for the sixteen days of activism against gender based violence is intended to give voice to the countless people, mostly women, who are silence victims of this global scourge. As Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy, I am here to add my voice to this campaign. Every day in Belize and all over the world, victims of gender based violence suffer as they are subjected to physical and sexual assault, verbal abuse and other types of violence at the hands of someone they know, usually in their own home. It is all too common, but just because it is common, it doesn’t mean it is normal or acceptable; it is critical. Please join me and thousands around the world in shedding light on this hidden atrocity during these sixteen days of activism and committing throughout the year to building a safe and secure world free of gender based violence.”