Domestic violence discussed by NGOs, police
It used to be called “wife beating” but in the era of gender equality it has taken on the more sanitized and less descriptive name of “domestic violence.” But whatever you call it, the abuse of domestic partners in Belize–usually women–has come out of the closet.
Faralee Gabourel, Reporting
Whether we whisper about it behind close doors or vocally air our concerns, the issue of domestic violence in Belize is very real. That’s why the National Women’s Commission is holding a two-day workshop in an effort to curb the occurrence of domestic violence.
Agnes Flowers, Coordinator, NWC
“Domestic violence is on the rise. Once it was a hidden societal ill now it has become a public outcry. As part of the priorities for the Women’s Commission, domestic violence is one of them. And so we thought it was a good time to have this workshop.”
A good time indeed, as the meeting was well attended by representatives from NGO’s as well as the police and BDF. A chance to watch and learn, came when a recorded 911 tape was played by the workshop’s facilitator.
Currently Belize has a less sophisticated version of the United States’ 911 system, but as he explained the procedure being used, Assistant Inspector of Police, Charles Galvez emphasized that the Police Department is determined to improve its ability to respond.
Charles Galvez, A.I.P., Belize Police Dept.
“We have a control center where a 911 telephone is situated. Whenever a call goes to that telephone, the operator at that telephone immediately dispatch a mobile that is normally on patrol to go to that area which needs assistance.”
“We need to enhance our system here in Belize The message will be passed on back to my superior and no doubt they will implement the same thing in Belize.”
While the police are aspiring to implement a better emergency response system, Lou Reed, one of the workshop facilitators, from the Miami Beach Police Department gave Belize two thumbs up, indicating that we are already on the right track.
Lou Reed, Workshop Facilitator
“We’ve met the health officials from the Ministry of Health and your health ministry is already involved and working with the Police Department as far assisting helping the victims. You see domestic violence as a health issue as well as a social issue, which is way far along, as far as intervening for victims. Everybody that we’ve met, the police commissioner is so solidly behind intervention and you have a Domestic Violence Unit and officers already trained. You have no idea how far along you are. I foresee Belize training probably other countries in the Caribbean very, very soon, very soon. You’re doing a very fine job we’re just happy to be here to be a part of it.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Faralee Gabourel.
The workshop ends on Friday.
