Nationwide Consultations Begin on Domestic Violence Prohibition Bill

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support and Gender Affairs and the National Women’s Commission (NWC), has officially begun a nationwide series of public consultations on the proposed Domestic Violence Prohibition Bill, aimed at strengthening legal protections for victims and improving response systems across the country. The Bill is being positioned as a critical step toward safeguarding families, reinforcing community support networks, and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence can access timely justice and real safety. The Ministry and the NWC have issued an open call for participation from all sectors of society, including parents, teachers, youth leaders, community advocates, business owners, and concerned citizens, to attend upcoming consultation sessions, share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the final legislation.  This round of public consultations follows the presentation of the Bill in the House Meeting on November 20 by Minister Thea Garcia-Ramirez.  She notes that one part of the bill is to give more powers to Justices of the Peace.

Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister of Human Development: “Madam Speaker, I must first preface the introduction of these bills by mentioning that the idea for these amendments came from a senior justice of the peace, the Honorable Emilio Miguel Cal from Joseito Layout Corozal Town, who saw an opportunity for JPs to be a part of the solution of expanding justice for victims of gender-based violence. Across our communities, we continue to see situations where victims urgently need protective orders but are unable to access a magistrate. And this is especially true during nights, weekends, holidays, emergencies or when courts are closed or very distant. The Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill 2025 amends the Justices of the Peace Act Chapter 1901 to empower designated select senior justices of the peace to issue expatriate interim protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act in urgent and exceptional circumstances. These orders will be valid for no more than 72 hours, just long enough to protect a victim until a magistrate can hear the matter. This is not a replacement for the court. It is a life-saving bridge when the judicial system is temporarily inaccessible. The bill provides that a select senior justice of the piece may issue interim protection orders when a magistrate is unavailable, when it is outside of normal court hours, when the court is closed for any reason. When there is an emergency where life is at risk or imminent harm is present or in any other exceptional situations where accessing a magistrate is not reasonable or possible. To ensure strong safeguards, Madam Speaker, these bills introduce strict criteria for selection. To be eligible, senior justices of the peace must have served at least five years, must have no criminal record, must have no complaints against them, not be respondents in any domestic violence matter, and be willing and able to undertake the responsibilities. They must apply formally to the Attorney General to be considered. Their designation will be confirmed only after consultation with the director of the family court. They will also undergo mandatory training and must be duly sworn in before exercising these duties. Madam Speaker, these bills enhance transparency and accountability by requiring select senior JPs to maintain detailed records of every interim protection order that they issue.”

Consultation sessions were held yesterday in Benque Viejo del Carmen.  Another round is taking place at this hour in San Ignacio / Santa Elena followed by sessions in San Pedro and Dangriga on December 11 and in Punta Gorda on December 12.