‘Every Woman and Child Deserves Safety’

The tragic deaths of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy, in a house fire that police believe was deliberately set by her ex-partner have reignited calls to end gender-based violence.

The Ministry of Human Development, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, and the National Women’s Commission issued a joint statement, condemning the act, calling it “an appalling case of femicide.”

In a joint statement, the agencies expressed “profound sorrow and outrage” over the deaths. They said it is “a painful reminder of the persistent and devastating impact of gender-based violence in Belize.”

“Violence within our homes and communities can no longer be accepted or ignored,” the statement said. “Every woman and child deserves to live in safety, dignity, and peace.”

The government partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening protection systems and urged communities to “build a culture of zero tolerance for violence.”

Authorities confirmed that the accused, Francisco Godoy, had recently served time for domestic violence against Magaña and was released just days before the incident. Magaña had also attempted to obtain a restraining order on Friday but was not assisted with one “due to the time that she reached the courthouse,” Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith said.

Meanwhile, the government partners reminded the public that “Help is available; no one should suffer in silence,” adding that “Ending violence against women and children is not the responsibility of the government alone; it requires a collective national response.”