Forum on Gender-Based Violence Held in Belize City by Building People Movement

The community organization Building People Movement held a forum in Belize City today, to educate community advocates on issues surrounding gender-based violence. The forum was held at the University of the West Indies Global campus and was held in collaboration with the US Embassy. Dorla Bowman, founder and executive director of the Building People Movement, said that today’s forum is part of a series that aims to improve the services available to survivors of gender-based violence at the institutional level.

Police Sergeant Sharaine Jacobs, the officer commanding the police department’s Domestic Violence Unit in Orange Walk, was one of the key presenters. Jacobs spoke to participants on matters such as reporting of sexual violence cases and the cultural implications of sexual violence. Meanwhile, Seleni Cuz, advocate and Public Educator for the Building People Movement, said that she has gained practical knowledge from the forum that she will be using when she returns to the south.

The forum was also supported by the Women’s Department and the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness.