Gender-based violence is sadly not a new occurrence in any society, and Belize is no different. In fact, it has become an alarming problem, with women being the most affected. In an attempt to address the issue, the National Women's Commission (NWC) has launched its Gender-based Violence complaint mechanism to assist those suffering in silence, particularly victims that are not satisfied with the attention local authorities have given to this ongoing problem.

According to the NWC, the complaint mechanism enables victims of gender-based violence or advocates to register situations where minimum standards of response and care are not being met by police, healthcare, social services, court, or any other relevant government institutions. Gender-based violence continues to be a prevalent occurrence undermining the health, dignity, security and autonomy of victims, who for various reasons, suffer in silence.

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