The Ministry of Justice has sought to sensitise justices of the peace (JPs) across the island on domestic and gender-based violence through virtual sessions held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

The sessions follow a series of violent domestic attacks in the country.

Addressing the first session on May 13, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck urged the JPs to be active players in the reduction of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence [and] partner abuse are really a pandemic at this time. It is absolutely important that every single one of us plays our part to ensure we reduce domestic violence,” Chuck said.

Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, who also brought remarks at the session, underscored the importance of the event and assured the gathering that her ministry has been working assiduously
to ensure women and girls have the support needed through legislation.

Additionally, Grange charged the JPs to “leave the session with an understanding and an increased awareness of the complexity of gender-based violence and the commitment… required …to support the conflict resolution framework and gender architecture in Jamaica”.

The sensitisation spanned two sessions and concluded on May 20 with almost 1,000 JPs in attendance. Topics covered included the national strategic action plan to eliminate gender-based violence in Jamaica; current legislation on domestic violence; proposals to amend laws to protect women; and the characteristics of an abuser.

The Justice Ministry has been hosting a series of virtual JP sensitisation sessions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. These sessions are expected to increase the capacity of JPs to offer greater support to their communities. Alternative justice services, the JP Act, estate planning, online services from Tax Administration Jamaica and offerings from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) are among the sessions from which the JPs have
benefitted.