Major Legislative Reforms to Strengthen Domestic Violence Protections

The Government of Belize has introduced a sweeping package of legal reforms aimed at providing faster, stronger, and more accessible protection for survivors of domestic violence, particularly during nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies when the risk is often greatest.

Two key pieces of legislation, the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Bill, 2025, were tabled in the House of Representatives on Thursday by Minister of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs, Thea Garcia-Ramirez. Together, the bills form part of the Government’s commitments under the National Gender-Based Violence Action Plan (2024–2030) and are designed to close longstanding gaps in access to emergency protective orders.

Select Senior JPs to Issue Emergency Protection Orders

A central feature of both amendments is the introduction of new powers for Select Senior Justices of the Peace, who will be authorised to issue ex parte interim protection orders in exceptional and urgent circumstances, particularly when magistrates are unavailable.

Under the Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, a new Section 11A grants these designated Senior JPs authority similar to that of magistrates, allowing them to issue temporary orders based on evidence that domestic violence has occurred or is likely to occur and that an order is essential to protect a victim or child. These interim orders will be valid for up to 72 hours, after which they must be reviewed by a magistrate.

Accompanying procedural changes include the introduction of Form 3B in Schedule II, outlining the structure and conditions of these temporary protections. Violating an interim order could lead to fines or imprisonment under Section 23 of the Domestic Violence Act.

“This reform is not a replacement for the court, but a life-saving bridge that can mean the difference between danger and safety,” Minister Garcia-Ramirez said.

Strict Oversight and Vetting of Senior Justices of the Peace

The Justices of the Peace (Amendment) Bill further details the vetting, training, and designation process for these Select Senior JPs. To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of service, a clean disciplinary record, and no involvement in domestic violence-related proceedings. They will undergo specialised training and must be sworn in before exercising any new powers.

The designation process will be overseen by the Attorney General’s Ministry, in consultation with the Family Court, ensuring accountability and judicial oversight.

Improving Access to Safe Reporting Spaces

The legislation also mandates police stations nationwide to establish private, confidential spaces where victims can file applications for protection orders. These locations will be formally listed in a new Schedule IX, allowing survivors to seek help discreetly and safely, regardless of district.

Government officials say this measure, alongside the new emergency-order authority, is critical for rural and remote communities where access to magistrates can be limited.

Part of a Broader National Effort

The new bills complement several ongoing initiatives by the Ministry of Human Development, including the rollout of coordinated national GBV response protocols, the establishment of a one-stop support centre for survivors in Belize City, expanded frontline training for police and service providers, strengthened public awareness campaigns, and the activation of the national domestic violence hotline.