Senior Superintendent of Police Stephanie Lindsay says women should not allow the fear of economic uncertainties or of being alone to force them into staying in relationships that are both toxic and unhealthy.

 Lindsay, who is also the head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)’s Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), said there have been far too many cases of women succumbing to their fears, remaining in abusive relationships and oftentimes to their personal detriment.

“For all the other things that are happening in our lives sometimes we simply have to jump up and step out,” Lindsay told her virtual audience at the recent Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA)’s St Ann Parish Association ‘Our Women’s Safety and Security Forum –under the theme: Women, Rise Up…Prevent Respond’.

“Don’t go tell the man that as soon as he comes to your life –until death do us part… those things don’t work anymore. Don’t be afraid to walk out of the big mansion or with your two pieces of clothing. Trust me, in many cases you are leaving ten tons of problems behind.”

Lindsay said women should not be afraid to take the go-it-alone approach, noting that self-worth and mental stability are more important than a life of abuse and pain.

She added that the feeling of economic uncertainties or material possessions are some of the reasons why some women choose to remain in abusive relationships, adding that taking the bold step “to moving on”, while might seemed challenging if not daunting at first, can also lead to a kind of liberation that was never once envisioned.

Lindsay, in the meantime, also implored women to be more vigilant and proactive once leaving the confines of their homes, warning that to do otherwise could make them susceptible kidnappers, scammers and con artists.

“Always leave the house with a ‘what if’ mentality,” she implored.

“Keep keys at a ready in your hands as opposed to in your bags. Always be on the look out and don’t… even in a car accident… be quick to give your personal documents to strangers.”