A Look at Jamaica’s Approach to Sexual Crimes

We will explore perspectives on Jamaica approach to sexual crimes, what is causing it? What is being done to prevent it?  Are punishments too lenient? And is rehabilitation possible?

Dr. Karen Carpenter, senior lecturer and Head of the Institute for Gender & Development Studies, UWI, Mona and Dr. Loraine Barnaby consultant psychiatrist with vast experience in the corrections field, joined the CVM Live Panel Discussion to share on the topic.

Dr. Barnaby said that there are positives and negative to Jamaica’s approach to sexual crimes, noting that the negatives include the lack of seriousness taken in the approach despite the fact that on the positive side the country has made advances in laws to deal with offences including sexual violence against women and girls.

Meanwhile, Dr. Carpenter in agreement with Dr. Barnaby, added that tremendous advances have been made in a short timeframe given that for a long time the nuisances of sexual assualt, sexual trauma and other sexual crimes have been ignored. Adding that the country is currently moving in the right direction to gratify the laws and making amendments to address the current situation. However, she noted that more can be done, stating that more public education and the way of thinking of the people are behind the laws that are being amended.