Special Envoy Addresses Calls for Action on Violence Against Women

The issue of violence against women continues to draw national attention, following a number of cases involving women who have been killed or reported missing, prompting renewed calls for greater awareness, prevention, and accountability. Among the cases that have heightened public concern is that of Bree Arthurs, who has been missing since April. Her disappearance, along with other cases involving violence against women, has added to ongoing conversations about the safety and protection of women and girls in Belize. Despite the growing concerns, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children did not issue a public statement on the matter. That decision has raised questions about the office’s response and whether a public position should have been shared. Today, Love News spoke with Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, to understand why the office chose not to release a statement and what actions are being taken behind the scenes to address issues affecting women and families.

Reporter:  What would you say to the criticism though that your office is silent on certain cases like you know when we saw an uptick in violence against women that month when we had all those femicides, we have violence against children and not even a press release from your office. 

Rossana Briceño, Special Envoy: “But you know what I can’t be hollering and screaming all the time. You have to pick your battles and when the the Ministry of Human Development or the National Women’s Commission send out a release, we’re all a part of that. I decide in my office when I feel it’s not being heard or it’s just too much of a technical release that something more needs to be said, in consultation I send out a release but I can’t be sending out releases just to send out releases because they become very meaningless and it has to be impactful. You have to pick the ones that you feel deserve. Not that everything doesn’t deserve attention but I think the ones that deserve an immediate change or somebody has to move and do something. If that’s what it takes then I will continue to do that.”

As conversations continue, stakeholders maintain that addressing violence against women requires continued efforts in prevention, education, support services, and ensuring that cases are thoroughly investigated and addressed.