Jamaica Economy Panel Discussion Six on Violence Against Women and Children | November 2021

To protect children from violence and abuse, the most significant action is stronger laws and policies and improved ability to report violence and abuse. The latter is a common challenge for children and teenagers, not knowing how and to whom they can report the occurrence of abuse. Hopefully, SafeSpot may be a way for children to discover how to access justice. Two other measures received substantial support: harsher punishment of perpetrators of violence received 50% support from the panellists, whereas improved access to counselling and parental support saw the support of almost two-thirds of respondents.

With regards to violence against women, the two most essential areas focus on interventions that should preempt such violence. Specifically, the panellists support increased community intervention, recognising an essential role for school curricula to integrate non-violent behaviours.