By Zoila Palma: As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, the Ministry of Human Development and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children Rossana Briceño is calling on Belizeans and national institutions to move beyond awareness and strengthen efforts to protect survivors, ensure accountability, and uphold justice without fear or favour.
A statement released today stressed that rape, sexual violence, and domestic violence are serious human rights violations that continue to affect individuals, families, and communities. It noted that awareness alone is not enough if victims remain silent, perpetrators evade accountability, and survivors cannot access the protection and justice they deserve.
In addition, the Ministry highlighted several legislative measures introduced by the Government of Belize, including the Cybercrime Act, National Women’s Commission Act, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Disabilities Act, Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act, and the Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence (Prohibition) Act.
However, the Ministry and Special Envoy emphasized that passing legislation is only part of the solution, noting that laws must be effectively implemented to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
“In Belize, no one should be above the law. Not a politician, not a teacher, not a priest or pastor, not a public official, not a respected community leader, and not a family member. No person’s title, profession, political affiliation, religious standing, or family relationship should put them beyond the reach of the law. Everyone needs to be held accountable,” the Ministry noted.
“Every credible allegation of abuse must be taken seriously, investigated impartially, and addressed through the proper legal processes,” it added.
They further called for an end to victim-blaming and reaffirmed the need for survivors to be treated with dignity, protected from further harm, and given access to support, declaring that justice must be pursued without fear or favour and accountability without exception.
The post Domestic Violence awareness month: “No one is above the law” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, the Ministry of Human Development and Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children Rossana Briceño is calling on Belizeans and national institutions to move beyond awareness and strengthen efforts to protect survivors, ensure accountability, and uphold justice without fear or favour.
The post Domestic Violence awareness month: “No one is above the law” appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
