Minister Garcia: “Domestic Violence Not Private, It is a Crime and Public Health Issue”

The Minister of Human Development who is also responsible for Families, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, issued a strongly worded video statement today, calling for Faber to resign. She also underscored what might cause victims of such acts to make a report, but then change course, asking that no further action be taken. The minister countered claims often made that domestic violence is a private concern, reminding Belizeans that it is a crime that must be taken seriously. She announced she would be asking Cabinet for additional resources to protect victims of abuse and deal with this public health issue in Belize. Here is her message in its entirety.