Domestic violence reports in Belize for Q2 2024 show an 8% decrease compared to the same period in 2023; however, the Belize Crime Observatory (BCO) data reveals that these figures remain above the 8-year average of 644, with 769 reports recorded this year.
Minister of Human Development Dolores Balderamos discussed the persistent and cyclical nature of domestic violence in Belize with the media this week, as she emphasized that reported cases do not fully capture the issue's extent.
"My own feeling is that it never really subsides entirely," Balderamos cautioned. "I believe that it may be a matter of reporting because I would want to believe that we have not really seen domestic violence as an issue really subside or go down in terms of the cases."
The data appears to support the Minister's view, as over the last eight years Domestic Violence cases for the second quarter of the year have climbed from 448 in Q2-2016 to 836 for the same period last year. Moreover, the BCO report advises that this year's Q2 report—as it has done for previous reports—"contains incomplete data for June 2024; therefore, it does not reflect the exact statistics of Q2." Consequently, the numbers could be a little higher.
Noteworthy is the fact that the data shows a palpable uptick in the rate of reports since 2020. For Q2 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, the figures were 541, 598, 599, and 605, respectively. This period averaged approximately 585 reports.
However, post-COVID, the figures' average has jumped to approximately 750 (for Q2-2021 to 2024), representing a 28% jump in terms of post-COVID mean. It is, however, unclear if the higher, post-COVID average represents a real jump in actual domestic violence or simply an increase in persons actually reporting.
Moreover, it also must be stressed that the noticeable post-COVID correlation is not being suggested as being a cause. To determine the reasons for this conspicuous uptick, deeper analyses of the demographic and other social factors, including policy measures, would be necessary.
Nonetheless, the figures show a sharp increase from 605 in 2020 to more than 800 in 2023.
While the recent 8% decline is noteworthy, more data over time would be needed to determine if this represents the beginning of a downward trend or merely a fluctuation in the generally higher post-COVID numbers.
Legislative Measures and Support Systems
According to Minister Balderamos, many incidents go unreported, and the Ministry continues to advocate for zero tolerance while encouraging victims and bystanders to report any abuse.
Legislative measures such as occupation orders aim to protect victims by removing abusive partners from the home, ensuring their safety and housing stability.
Balderamos also touched on the matter of same-sex couples and their protections against domestic violence. She explained that the current legislation's limitations regarding same-sex couples are mitigated through judicial interpretation to ensure broader application and equality.
Professionals like teachers and pastors must report abuse, while regular citizens are not legally obligated, she reminded. Nonetheless, public vigilance plays a crucial role in addressing abuse, as seen in viral incidents that lead to legal action against perpetrators.
The minister also outlined other measures, including the government viewing and treating cyberbullying as a form of domestic violence, reinforcing the zero-tolerance stance. She pointed to the fact that there is new anti-sexual harassment legislation that is progressing via the law-making process. The latter, she added, is benefiting from ongoing reviews to address concerns and ensure comprehensive protection of individuals' rights and freedoms.
The media also spoke with Starla Bradley, Director of the Women and Family Support Department, who detailed the multi-agency response to domestic violence. Bradley highlighted the collaboration with police, health services, and social services.
Her department provides emergency support, shelter placement, and long-term assistance to victims. Shelters, although limited and short-term, play a vital role in the initial stages of support. Bradley highlighted the development of long-term plans to help victims achieve self-sufficiency, including economic empowerment, housing support, and legal aid services.
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