Editorial | Family violence – the new pandemic

The rising number of cases signals that family violence is the other pandemic that is affecting Jamaican men, women and children, in rural as well as urban areas.

The frustrations of lockdowns and isolation triggered by the COVID-19 crisis have seemingly lit a tinderbox, creating more victims within the home, with ripple effects in the community. Like the virus, violence is contagious, for it spreads if it is not interrupted. We imagine that being in lockdown with an abuser must be like living through a nightmare.

The United Nations is reporting a 20 per cent spike in family violence that is attributed to the ongoing pandemic. And, here in Jamaica, we have seen siblings setting upon each other, parents being attacked by offspring, and spouses attacking each other, often resulting in deadly confrontations. It is happening too often.

With coronavirus uppermost in people’s minds, many issues have been ignored as they try to avert personal disaster and keep safe, but there is an urgency about domestic violence and we submit that it must be tackled with greater vigour in 2021.

A National Concern

Even before the onslaught of the coronavirus, domestic violence was a national concern. Everyone knows of a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. Some persons know both victim and perpetrator. This violence also affects family members, co-workers and their entire social network. It is against that background that two domestic violence intervention centres were established in the Corporate Area at Constant Spring and Matilda’s Corner police stations, with funding from the United States Embassy. Based on recent reports of deadly domestic violence cases, we believe there is demand for several such centres in other communities.

In old-time Jamaica, communities had authority figures who were looked upon as rock-solid individuals and were protectors and influencers. We make reference to the policeman, the teacher, the postmistress, the nurse and the public health inspector, among others in the communities. These persons could be called upon to settle small disputes or to caution a teenager who seemed to be at risk.

Today, the influence of these persons has greatly diminished and they no longer enjoy the respect and near-reverence that used to be accorded to them. We acknowledge that there are dedicated NGOs and other civil society organisations doing commendable jobs in offering support to victims of domestic violence. However, the gap in community leadership is patently obvious.

It is not beyond us to find national solutions to bring back a sense of community. It will take political will, reliable funding and changes in attitude, such as low tolerance for violence. It may require building on the existing Domestic Violence Act to ensure that perpetrators are given the punishment that fits their crimes.

Churches and schools are two community institutions which still enjoy a measure of respect. We suggest that they be used in an aggressive campaign to bolster current efforts to reduce domestic violence.

Prevention and intervention strategies must include the recruitment and training of community counsellors, as well as the establishment of government-operated shelters which will offer safe harbours to abused persons.

If we view 2021 as the year of recovery, then we must make greater headway in focusing on victims of family and domestic violence within our communities, and rescue those who may even now be on the brink of tragedy.