The Impact of Police – Perpetrated Domestic Violence in Jamaica

Topic:  The Impact of Police – Perpetrated Domestic Violence in Jamaica

Sub Topics:

1. The Use of Professional Training by the Jamaican Police to Carry out Acts of Domestic Violence.
2. The Pervasive Pattern Of Domestic Violence Perpetrated By Jamaican Police Officers
3. The Effects of Domestic Violence Perpetrated by the Jamaican Police on the :

• Victims
• Family
• Communities Involved

Problem Statement:

Domestic abuse which involves the Jamaican police have been on the rise over the years, and often ends in what we know as murder- suicides which can have a devastating impact on the families involved as well as the community at large. One of the most talked about cases involved the murder- suicide of Corporal Llewellyn who went on a murder spree in the tiny rural district of Three Hills in St Mary, which later resulted in the paralysis of his estranged wife and the death of his parents in law, brother in law and step daughter all of which resulted in shockwaves across the island.

It is therefore important for us to truly understand the lasting effects that linger after such act of violence in an effort to create a proactive approach for tackling the problem so as to provide some level of alleviation for the victims involved.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to seek and examine the dynamics of police-perpetrated domestic violence and how it impacts the victims, the victim’s family and the communities involved. It will also seek to explain how the Jamaica police uses his training and professional life to contribute to his tactics of abuse. Finally the research will also shed light on the unique dilemma encountered by the victims of whose abusers are members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Significance:

Domestic violence is a serious social problem and a national health concern with significant negative impacts on individuals and our communities, especially when the perpetrators are the same ones who should be enforcing the law.

The results of this study will significantly contribute to understanding the various issues relating to domestic violence at the hands of the police. Specifically, the study would be critical for the victims of domestic violence, policy makers and society in general. Additionally, various stakeholders and special interest groups would be able to develop mitigation and intervention strategies that would assist the victims and punish these crimes; paving the way for a violence-free Jamaica.