Sit Up for 16 Days of Activism - A Survivor's Story
BELIZE CITY, Belize- Anita Hamilton—a radio studio manager, a mother of five, and grandmother to ten—shared her empowering message as a survivor during the launch of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which aired on 25 November 2020 in Belize, also marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The launch was in partnership with the National Women’s Commission, the Women and Family Support Department, civil society organizations and the Spotlight Initiative.
A Survivor
She sees herself as a survivor and is eager to encourage other victims of violence in Belize. Although her experience was painful, she highlights that her strong faith and her children are what made her get up and move forward with her life. Mrs. Hamilton’s experience of gender-based violence is not isolated case. In Belize, violence against women and girls is the most common forms of family violence including domestic violence, violence against children, and sexual violence. Women 25 years and older are most affected by domestic violence which occurs in all areas of the country. While 65% of children experience some form of violent disciplining, and 75% of all cases of sexual violence were among girls 10-19 years.
When asked why it was important to participate in awareness days, events, and campaigns like 16 days of activism, Mrs. Hamilton said:
“As a radio studio manager, I interact with many people, and I see and hear other women and young girls’ experiences, many of them going through serious violent situations, but they stay extremely quiet,” she said. “We need to speak out and let others know there is a way out, ensuring that victims—through the various help agencies, family members, or friends—have a plan to leave that situation.”
Sit-Up and find the strength to get out
As her way to show others that there is a way out, Mrs. Hamilton started a 25-day sit-up challenge along with her husband for the month of October. She documented the challenge daily, often getting of a hundred views and encouraging comments. “Like sit-ups, it’s a strain or struggle, to leave a violent partner, but the objective of the challenge is to show that you have the strength to sit up and to get out,” she said.
Her message to women and girls is: “not to ignore the signs of abuse and get out of violent situations. If there weren’t days of awareness like the 16 days of activism, many wouldn’t know of these signs or the resources to help themselves, even though it is an issue that is always happening” she said. “For me, it’s a worthy cause and we need to be active but also show actions.”
Beyond the 16 days of activism, Mrs. Hamilton maintained “I will continue to empower and help others for the rest of my life. There is a better life out there, I am a testament to it, but people have to want and be motivated to get out.”
By Perla Hinojosa
You can hear more about Mrs. Hamilton’s story here:
