Dear Editor,

Domestic abuse, which is a problem we tend to overlook, must be attacked. Such abuse is appalling and is an enormous issue. The police and other groups should launch a “One Step Too Far” campaign to stamp out unacceptable attitudes and behaviour towards the weaker ones before it leads to more violent forms of abuse. People suspected of abusing a partner or a child should be barred from their homes for a long time.

The government must tell Jamaica if it is serious about domestic violence. The police should have powers to protect victims of domestic abuse and give victims the necessary breathing space to make informed decisions about their long-term safety and that of their children, without the immediate fear of threat or further harm.

The police would be able to stop suspects having contact with an alleged domestic abuse victim for 72 hours – and that could be extended by a court. These measures have been proved to work in other countries and would give the police the extra powers they need to protect the victims. The police should also have the power to remove the abuser, even if there is not enough evidence to charge a suspect.

The police would be able to stop suspects having contact with an alleged domestic abuse victim for 72 hours – and that could be extended by a court. These measures have been proved to work in other countries and would give the police the extra powers they need to protect the victims. The police should also have the power to remove the abuser, even if there is not enough evidence to charge a suspect.

A special domestic violence court must be in place with trained staff to deal with abuse cases and service to help people who are the victims of domestic abuse. It is important for us to have a standard response across Jamaica from bodies working closely together – such as police and local authorities – that may be involved in helping victims of domestic abuse.

An advertising campaign “Violence is not the answer” should be on every billboard, TV and radio around Jamaica with a clear message that violence against anyone including domestic abuse, sexual harassment and rape will not be tolerated. If you talk to women, particularly those who need to call the police, there’s still a mixed bag of responses. But on the whole, the consensus is that things haven’t improved and authorities treat complaints with little sensitivity.

This is a unique opportunity to bring about real change, and the aim is to end violence against the weaker sex. A good working relationship with police and all the criminal justice agencies is needed if domestic violence is to ‘vamoose’. The police force’s understanding of the complexities must increase.

There is not much understanding about how difficult it is for a woman, especially, to leave an abusive relationship. To find the courage to leave is sometimes underestimated. Learning about the impact domestic violence is having on families and the country should be added to the school curriculum so students will learn acceptable behaviour in society. Teaching kids in our school that domestic violence is despicable might help to save lives at home.

Hero Scott

Brussels, Belgium