Singjay A’mari, aka DJ Mona Lisa, says she is heartbroken over the recent spate of murder-suicides and incidents of domestic violence.

“I can truly relate to this subject as I am a survivor of both physical and mental abuse. I’m calling on the women of Jamaica to make better choices in regards to intimate partners. Do not underestimate abuse or allow it to make you feel afraid or intimidated. Remember, abuse is not love; it is just another means of control,” A’mari, whose real name is Veneice Fung-Chung, told the Jamaica Observer.

She urged abused women to immediately seek help.

“Know your value and do not allow anyone to destroy your body or take away your dignity, pride and self-esteem,” she said.

According to statistics compiled by the Jamaica Constabulary Force on domestic-related homicides, there have been 148 murders of females between the years 2011 to 2018, an average of almost 19 deaths per year. The years 2011 and 2013 were particularly brutal, with 26 female deaths recorded each of those years. Still, more males continue to die every year in cases of domestic violence, with a total of 271 dead between the years 2011 to 2018.

According to the Jamaica Women’s Health Survey (2016), one in every four Jamaican women has experienced physical violence by a male partner.

“We, the public, often are not aware of the dangers until something drastically happens. When children witness their parents being abused, they later on become abusers during adulthood — and the cycle continues. When their homes do not feel secure, they retaliate and then become a menace to society as they do not have hope; they can’t find peace. Oftentimes these children need counselling before it is too late,” she said.

A’mari — who has recorded songs such as Cheater Girls featuring Gully Bop, and Black Hypocrisy — recently became a Christian.

“Leave toxic relationships, drop toxic lifestyle choices, free yourself,” she said.