UCB to host conference on sex abuse

In light of the increased number of sexual crimes against children and the probability of a serial killer lurking in our midst, the Belizean community is struggling to come to grips with new realities. Unfortunately, it’s been the Belizean norm to sweep such occurrences under the rug. The social work programme of the University College of Belize, in conjunction with the British High Commission, the Voluntary Service Overseas and UNICEF, hopes to change all that. Eager to do its part in the solution of this problem, organizers are holding a two-day conference called “Expanding Frontiers of Practice: Gender Violence and Abuse in Belize”. Over 70 professionals from the Ministries of Human Development, Health and Education as well as representatives of law enforcement, social work and community development will meet to discuss experiences and measures that have been used in other parts of the world to curb this dreadful cycle. Facilitating the conference will be Professor Eli Coleman, an expert in the field of sexology and clinical psychology, and Judith Alpuche, an experienced social worker. The conference will take place this Thursday and Friday at the Radisson Fort George. On Monday, April 17th, Coleman will be delving further into this issue and interested members of the community are invited to the UCB campus at 1:00 in the afternoon to take part in the discussion.