The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a stark warning following a tragic domestic violence incident in San Felipe Village, which claimed the lives of a mother and her two children. This harrowing event underscores the escalating crisis of violence against women and children in the country. Official police records reveal a staggering 1,400 domestic violence cases reported this year, with intimate partners implicated in the majority of cases. Alarmingly, nearly 1,100 of the victims were women. The NTUCB has declared that the situation has reached a breaking point and is urging the government to ratify the International Labour Organization’s Convention 190, which addresses workplace violence and harassment. The union is also advocating for swift justice and enhanced protection for survivors through improved law enforcement and judicial processes. Additionally, the NTUCB is calling on employers and unions to implement robust workplace policies to safeguard employees. In a bid to foster societal change, the organization is encouraging Belizeans to speak out against abusive behavior and break the culture of silence. The NTUCB is leading by example, launching initiatives such as training programs, partnerships, and public awareness campaigns, including the upcoming Sixteen Days of Activism, to combat domestic violence and promote a safer society.
