By Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Oct. 27, 2025

   A new haven for women who have been victims of domestic violence will soon be established through the efforts of the Belize Police Department and various government agencies.

   The need for women whose safety is being threatened to have a secure place to seek shelter came under a bright spotlight after the the tragic deaths of 35-year-old Angelita Magana and her son, 6, and daughter, 17, who suffered fatal fire injuries after Magaña’s ex-common-law husband set her on fire and burned their home to the ground.

   To prevent incidents like this from reoccurring, the Belize Police Department, with the assistance of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Department of Human Services, is coordinating the construction of a one-stop shelter for persons like Magana. 

   “The objective of this is to ensure that when a situation happens, the person only needs to go to one location to access all that they need. I’ve been advised that we have already secured a promise for financing for that building. The location of the building has already been identified, and what has delayed the process is the drafting of the building structure in a way that it achieves what is sought to be achieved by it,” said ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer at the Belize Police Department.

   She added, “The department certainly takes the opportunity to encourage all persons who are victims of domestic violence, or persons who know other persons who are victims of domestic violence, to inspire them to make a report. The police can only act within the confines and ambit of the law. We can only act when a report has been made, or the situation is such that it enforces or requires us to act.”

   Other professional help will be provided to the women in need at the shelter.