Studies show that Aids is one of the leading causes of death for Belizeans but that number is really just for the adults. According to a study released today from UNICEF, violence is the leading cause of death for children in the Caribbean and local experts say that is also the case in Belize. The study looked at violence in the home and family, violence in schools, and violence in community. Here's more.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This morning UNICEF's country Rep Rana Flowers released the findings of a global study on children and violence. As you might expect - the news wasn't good.
Rana Flowers, UNICEF
"It makes it clear that the violence is largely against children and it makes it clear that that violence is being perpetrated and done by adults who are trusted and known to the child."
And while that's the global picture, locally - NCFC Director Judith Alpuche says it isn't any better.
Judith Alpuche, NCFC
"Everyday basically you hear of gunshots being fired in communities and that of course impacts children. I hesitate to use words such as crisis but it is definitely a concern. The level of violence is definitely a concern."
A concern which is why NCFC, UNICEF and other partners called together 80 children from across the country to discuss violence at an all day consultation at Bird's Isle. According to the report, corporal punishment, or what we could call lashing or spanking - is a major problem in the Caribbean. So when does discipline become violence? I asked 12-year-old Briana McDonald and 11 year Markesha Neal from Hattieville Government School.
Keith Swift,
Do you guys get spanking?
Briana McDonald, Primary School Student
"No."
Markesha Neal, Primary School Student
"Yes."
Keith Swift,
Do you consider it violence?
Markesha Neal,
"No sir because when your parents whip you, it is not because they don't love you. It is because they care about you."
Keith Swift,
So it works?
Markesha Neal,
"Yes sir."
But spanking doesn't work for 12-year-old Christy Lopez and Leticia Bennett. They both attend Sacred Heart Primary School in Dangriga.
Christy Lopez, Primary School Student
"My mom lashes me yes…later on when she finishes I see that it was for my own good that I did something wrong…your parents should not lash you because they are just letting out their anger by doing that and that is not good."
24-year-old Rhondine Pitts and 22-year-old Fred Meighan are both past their days of getting spanked. They work with Youth for the Future and both agree with the report - corporal punishment is a problem. And if you are wondering why they are so sure - well Fred told us that growing up he had his fair share.
Fred Meighan, YFF
"I was lashed as a child, very much."
Rhondine Pitts, YFF
"I got minimal lashing as a child. I didn't have much violence against me."
Of course corporal punishment is part of a much broader and disturbing report which Rana Flowers won't be solved by looking back. She says we need to face the issue of children and violence in the face.
Rana Flowers,
"We can continue to spend a lot of money on addressing the consequences of violence. We can continue to see and lock up people in our prisons who have continued to commit violence or we can make that investment and put it into prevention."
From this consultation, UNICEF and its sister agencies will develop a position paper on violence against children in Belize.
