The Women’s Commission Calls for Greater Accountability and Support for Survivors
Putting Women’s Safety and Wellbeing First
Today’s episode of Open Your Eyes featured the National Women’s Commission for a conversation on women’s safety and wellbeing in Belize, addressing gender-based violence, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the challenges survivors face when seeking justice and support.
Joining the discussion were Eleanor Murill, Executive Director of the Women’s Commission, and Stacie Castillo Gladden, Programme Officer. They reflected on the continued reports of abuse involving women and children and emphasized the need for sustained public education, stronger accountability, and meaningful changes in how society responds to survivors.
Challenging the Normalization of Gender-Based Violence
The representatives expressed concern that domestic and sexual violence have become normalized in some homes, families, and communities. They stressed that awareness must extend beyond designated observance months and translate into changes in attitudes, behavior, and how people respond to reports of abuse.
They also highlighted the importance of standing in solidarity with survivors rather than allowing the status or reputation of an alleged perpetrator to overshadow their experiences. According to the Commission, public assumptions about a person’s character can contribute to survivors being disbelieved, dismissed, or blamed.
The discussion further examined the challenges survivors encounter within the justice system, including prolonged court proceedings and repeated adjournments. These delays can take an emotional toll and require survivors to repeatedly revisit traumatic experiences while balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.
Protecting Survivors from Further Harm
The conversation emphasized the need to handle reports of abuse with empathy, compassion, and care, particularly when children and young people are involved. While social media can bring attention to cases, publicly sharing a survivor’s identity or personal experiences can expose them to further harm and revictimization.
The Commission underscored the importance of psychosocial support and strong support networks to help survivors navigate the process of seeking justice. It also encouraged the public to learn about the laws protecting survivors, understand their rights, and recognize the services available to assist them.
The representatives called for greater accountability across institutions, including improved responses to concerns raised by young people about harassment and abuse. They emphasized that survivors should remain at the center of decisions and responses concerning their cases.
Continuing the Work Beyond Awareness Months
The National Women’s Commission continues to work throughout the year through community education, advocacy, survivor support, and collaboration with government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other partners.
Its initiatives include community-based education and training, including work on gender and disaster risk management, as well as efforts to help stakeholders understand gender-based violence in emergencies. The Commission also shares information about relevant laws and survivor protections through its communication platforms.
Looking ahead, the Commission highlighted the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from November 25 to December 10. Under the theme “Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, and End Impunity,” planned activities include the Commission’s annual launch and march, with the public, schools, and marching bands invited to participate.
The discussion concluded with a call for Belizeans to practice empathy, challenge victim-blaming, support survivors, and recognize that preventing gender-based violence requires collective action throughout the year.