Parliamentarians Condemn Violence Against Women

Over a week since the brutal killing of 20-year-old Khanice Jackson, Minister of Gender, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, speaking in parliament on Tuesday, sought to highlight the magnitude of heinous crimes against the nation’s women and girls.    

She questioned the accountability of the government and the wider society. Minister Grange is also calling on entities to join the fight against violence against women and girls.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Mark Golding is suggesting a review of the firearms act from 2001, as he notes weapons such as pepper sprays may be used as a form of protection. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness also sought to highlight the issue of corporal punishment which he says attributes to violence.

There was a moment of silence in the house in remembrance of women and girls who were victims of domestic violence. Minister Grange also mentioned intervention programs being rolled out by the Ministry. One such program is the refocus perpetrators program. This she says is geared towards providing conflict resolution and rehabilitation techniques for men involved in intimate partner violence.