Counseling and Support to be Provided to Alleged Rape Victims

On the Phone: Dolores Balderamos-Garcia

The Ministry of Human Development has also issued a reminder for persons to be careful and vigilant while socializing and consuming alcohol.  It has also committed to providing the necessary support and counseling to the victims.

Isani Cayetano

“The issue of victim blaming though, as you alluded to earlier, it would seem as though many have taken to social media to share public opinion on a matter that, for those who may very well be the victim of this crime, is deeply divisive.  You have people who are for and against, in a situation where, perhaps, facts are to determine the order of the day.”

On the Phone: Dolores Balderamos-Garcia, Minister of Human Development

“That is exactly why I have said, let us refrain from speculation; however, it is important, as the ministry responsible for gender advocacy and for striving for the equality and equal opportunities for women, it is important for us to say to people, take a step back, be circumspect and do not engage in victim blaming.  That is why I am specifically calling out that particular issue and asking our Belizean people to be circumspect and not to engage in victim blaming.  We are the ones who are asking for the case not to be tried in the court of public opinion, so I think it would be incumbent on me to stress that point, but also because of some of the facts that have emerged to say to our young people in particular: women and girls, vulnerable people, in particular, be so very, very careful and let us be our brother’s and sister’s keeper when it comes to going to nightclubs or engaging, you know, with people who may have an evil purpose.  Let’s be so very, very careful.”