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PLAN AHEAD

  • Make a list of safe people to contact for help.
     

  • Have numbers for local violence programs. 
     

  • Obtain and secure personal documents and information for you, and if you have children, for them as well.
     

  • When leaving, be sure to take Birth certificates, driver’s license, social security cards, immunization records, passports, licenses, bank accounts, debit and credit cards, checkbooks, clothing, Any documentation that you might have about the abuse, including pictures, recordings, medical records, and police reports.

 

  • Include cash if you can and any other valuable that you don’t want to leave behind.



IF YOU AND THE PERPETRATOR ARE LIVING TOGETHER

                   (And you see a situation escalating)

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  • Avoid rooms with no exits
     

  • Avoid rooms with weapons
     

  • Contact a support program
     

  • Go to a safe-house



IF YOU AND THE PERPETRATOR ARE NOT LIVING TOGETHER

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  • Change your phone number and other contact information.

 

  • File a report at your nearest police station.
     

  • Consider getting a restraining/protective order. Speak to an advocate and find out if that is a good option for you—every situation is different.
     

  • Screen your calls.
     

  • Save and document all contact, messages, injuries, or other incidents involving the abuser.
     

  • Change your locks.
     

  • Avoid being alone.
     

  • Plan how to get away if confronted by the abuser.
     

  • If you have to meet the abuser do it in a public place.
     

  • Vary your routine.


LOCAL HELP FOR VICTIMS- Government Services in BELIZE
 

The National Gender-Based Violence Committee is a multi-sector group committed to ensuring an integrated, multi-faceted response to all forms of gender-based violence in Belize by addressing law enforcement, health, judicial education, and community advocacy. This multi-sectoral response gives specific attention to protection, provision of services, justice and prevention. This Committee is chaired by the Women's Department in the Ministry of Human Development & Social Transformation and was formed in 2004.  The Members of the National Gender-based Violence Committee include representatives from Magistrate Court, Family Court, Police Department, Community Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Health and several civil society agencies including the Shelter for Battered Women.  

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Additional, institutional mechanisms for addressing domestic violence include the Women's Department which has a Domestic Violence Task Force and a Family Violence Committee. Women Development Officers in the Women's Department are available to serve as court advocates at the request of clients. As family violence cases are in camera, entry of the advocate into the courtroom is at the discretion of the standing magistrate. All districts of the country have Women Development Officers.  The Women's Department uses the Gender-Based Violence Registration Form to track the incidence of Gender-Based Violence.  This form should accompany clients as they move between agencies seeking assistance. The form is intended to document the first point of contact the client has with one of the agencies involved in rendering assistance to victims of gender-based violence.

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Government services directed at victims include Community Counseling Centers. a Family Violence Unit hotline operated by the police department and two shelters.  Haven House is currently the only safe house for female survivors of domestic violence and their children in the Belize District. It provides temporary housing for up to 21 days, counseling and legal advocacy for residents.  Mary Open Doors is a shelter located in the Cayo District. It provides basic counseling, skills training and job placement for clients.

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Government services directed at victims include Community Counseling Centers, a Family Violence Unit hotline operated by the police department and two shelters the number is 0800-A-WAY-OUT, that is 0800-2-929-688.

Haven House is currently the only safe house for female survivors of domestic violence and their children in the Belize District.  It provides temporary housing for up to 21 days, counseling and legal advocacy for residents.  Mary Opens Doors is a shelter located in the Cayo District. It provides basic counseling, skills training and job placement for clients.

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