We don’t know if there are precise statistics in relation to so-called crimes of passion as a ratio of domestic violence.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that it could be significant.

Many a life has been lost, perpetrators — who prior to the terrible act had been productive citizens — jailed, and the well-being of children and other relatives undermined because of crimes linked to jealous rage.

Neighbours, friends, police, firefighters, health workers, journalists, and others have had to deal with the haunting consequences of such violence. We refer to acts such as that which left 30 people homeless in Bellrock, part of Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s St Andrew West Central constituency, last week.

An accused man has admitted to our reporter, Mr Jason Cross, that he lit a fire which destroyed seven dwellings because of his rage at the alleged infidelity of a girlfriend. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and Mr Holness has pledged that the gutted houses will be rebuilt.

It could have been much worse. In another incident a former staff member of this newspaper was allegedly shot dead by his enraged, jealous wife at their home in the United States.

In the context of all of the above, we believe this newspaper did a great service to all its readers with Sunday’s publication of a series focusing on infidelity and its consequences.

We are struck by a comment from relationship expert Professor Karen Carpenter that, “If you want to see a cheater, just get a mirror.”

For, despite socialisation, religious belief systems, et al, the great majority of us — if we are honest with ourselves — know that even if we resolutely and successfully resist, temptation is ever present. And, anecdotal evidence suggests that people — being people — often succumb.

A huge problem in marital and other intimate relationships is a misplaced sense of ‘ownership’. In other words, one partner views the other almost like property. That occurs especially in situations in which much has been done for the other, financially or otherwise.

Note the words of the man who told our reporter that he lit the fire in Bellrock, St Andrew: “This girl don’t have nothing and she tek my things and give a next man?”

And further that “I invest in this girl, but it’s like it is the wrong girl me a invest inna…”

That’s an individual who lacks the emotional intelligence to appreciate that when a relationship has irretrievably broken down the solution is to peacefully walk away.

How can that deficit in emotional intelligence, so evident all around us, be somehow corrected — even if only partially — over time?

Clearly, the required socialisation to nurture relationship awareness and empathy should be happening at an early age. Sadly, many homes are ill-equipped for that to happen.

In that respect, our educational institutions can show the way. Our teachers and school leaders should be encouraged to develop programmes to build cross-gender respect, empathy, and understanding.

Churches, community groups, youth clubs, mass media, good neighbours, and so forth, also have roles to play.

Insane, violent actions fuelled by jealousy such as the one at Bellrock will never disappear completely. But if society pulls together, we can make a positive difference.