The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence commences on November 25, 2025, with a sharp focus on the escalating issue of digital violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign, themed ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,’ underscores the urgent need to address online harassment, threats, and abuse. The initiative, spearheaded by the United Nations, runs until December 10, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.
In Belize, gender-based violence remains a pressing concern. Recent data from the Belize Crime Observatory reveals that 1,954 domestic violence cases were reported by October 2024, with 1,339 involving intimate partners. Women accounted for 75% of victims, and 67% of cases involved current or former partners. Tragically, nine femicide cases were recorded, predominantly affecting women aged 25 to 39.
The nation has been shaken by several high-profile incidents, including the murder of a mother of four found in a garbage drum, a deadly home invasion in Belize City that claimed the life of Delecia Flowers and injured her teenage daughter, and the horrific deaths of Angelita Magana and her two children, who were burned to death by her ex-common-law husband in San Felipe Village.
Eleanor Murillo, Executive Director of the National Women’s Commission, emphasized the critical role of community involvement in combating violence. ‘Advocacy comes from everybody,’ she stated. ‘If you witness violence, call 911 immediately. Do not record and share it on social media. Everyone must speak up to make a difference.’
Globally, one in three women experiences gender-based violence, with digital platforms increasingly becoming hotspots for abuse. The UN is urging governments, tech companies, donors, and individuals to take decisive action to safeguard women online, eliminate harmful content, and provide robust support for survivors.