Senators Also United Against Domestic Violence

Michael Peyrefitte

The Senate took a zero-tolerance stand against domestic violence at today’s meeting inside the National Assembly. A domestic violence motion was brought from the House of Representatives. The motion received majority support in the House of Representatives on Friday. That support was extended by U.D.P. Senators who today rose and spoke against abusers.

Michael Peyrefitte, Lead U.D.P. Senator

“The motion has to address the big issue that we often ignore when it comes to domestic violence. It is usually in the case that around the abuser there are apologists for that abuser, supporter, defenders, people who derive some benefits from that abuser. So, these very same people would encourage the victim to not press charges, to not make a big deal about something, to keep it a private matter and for it to not be an issue for the sake of embarrassment. I hope when it comes to legal reform, Mr. President, that we can put something in laws that will also prosecute those people who enable and upholds the abuser as he or she carries put these crimes. It should be the law and strengthen the law that if you see someone abusing someone else you must report it to the police. It is not a private matter; there is nothing domestic about it.”

Jacklyn Burns, U.D.P. Senator

Jacklyn Burns

“The matter of domestic violence, when we last met Madam President. We stayed back and celebrated the sixteen days of activism against domestic violence. And, similar activities have happened throughout this country where women get together and we advocate sixteen days out of the year against domestic violence. I believe that more needs to be done on the matter. After watching the news interviews, I have come to the realization that our general public thinks that domestic violence is a norm, that it is permissible. And truly, it broke my heart to see how many of our Belizean people view domestic violence and gender-based violence. I keep in mind that tour children are tuned into the news. And, the generation that is to come behind us is seeing people normalizing the harm that are inflicted on others during domestic situations. So, as I rise to support across any particular party lines, this motion, I want to say to our children of Belize that it is not right for anybody, be it in the home, school, or community, anybody to inflict harm on anybody, regardless of the relationship.”