OCHO RIOS, St Ann — A branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Domestic Violence Intervention (DVI) Centre that was set up in Alexandria, St Ann, has been reaping positive results according to Senior Superintendent of Police Dwight Powell, who is in charge of policing in the parish.

There have been an increasing number of residents in the southern section of St Ann who have been using the expertise offered by officers at the centre to quell domestic disputes, he said.

Last September, after expressing concern that family fights were playing a part in the slight increase the parish had seen in murders, Powell encouraged residents to learn how to settle their differences without resorting to violence. He told a meeting of the local municipal corporation, then, that efforts were underway to work more closely with the Dispute Resolution Foundation to find a solution. The St Ann centre was established two months later.

“We are getting quite a few people walking in for counselling so I believe it is really serving its purpose — and the reported cases of domestic violence in the area is not as concerning as last year,” Powell told the Jamaica Observer.

A breakdown of domestic-related murders was not readily available but, according to the data at hand, St Ann recorded five less murders from January to May 7 of this year when compared to the 20 recorded in the corresponding period last year.

There are six DVI centres across the island operating under the JCF’S Community Safety and Community Branch. These facilities are staffed with police personnel trained in domestic violence intervention measures, along with psychologists and other professionals.

A retrofitted 20-foot trailer now houses the much-needed St Ann centre, Powell said.

“The centre was needed to cater to those in that area of the parish because there was no area suited for that in the hills. Those in St Ann’s Bay and Ocho Rios have facilities that they can use. There is the justice centre as well as the persons from victim support, and the police team up with them to do quite a lot of work,” he said.

One resident of Alexandria who identified himself as Ricky believes the Alexandria centre will make a difference.

“It is a good thing because these types of things can save lives. A more than one time I get in argument with people in my yard and them draw cutlass and knife over some simple things and malice for weeks. So, we need more place like these because sometimes a simple issues that we can just talk to somebody about and get a little advice,” he told the Observer.

Powell is hoping even more St Ann residents will use the centre.

“I’m still urging those who are experiencing any form of domestic situations and need the intervention of the police to know that they can always get into the centre. We will always be there to listen and point them in the direction that they need to get requisite help for their particular situation,” he stated.