Sit Up for 16 Days of Activism - A Survivor's Story

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 (EVAW). The 16 days of activism is a campaign for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls which ended on Human Rights Day on 10 December. The launch was in partnership with the National Women’s Commission, the Women and Family Support Department, Civil Society Organizations and the Spotlight Initiative. The Spotlight Initiative, a global imitative launched by the European Union and the United Nations, seeks to contribute to ending family violence by strengthening policy and legislations that will guarantee increased protection of women and girls, building the capacity of state and non-state actors to respond to family violence, expanding the range of services available and addressing social norms and behaviors that promote violence against women and girls.

Mrs. Hamilton 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 out and move forward with her life.  When asked why it was important to participate in awareness day’s 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.”

As her way to show others that there is a way out, Mrs. Hamilton, who is now married, started a sit-up challenge along with her husband. “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 to “not ignore the signs of abuse and get out of violent situations. If there weren’t days of awareness like 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.

You can hear more about Mrs. Hamilton’s story here: https://youtu.be/iM8-4RBzXgk

Others

If you or someone you know is a victim of gender-based violence, you can refer them to the following hotlines for urgent assistance that follows the referral pathway pictured below:

Call: 0-800-A-WAY-OUT/ 911

Text/WhatsApp: 672-9628