KINGSTON, Jamaica – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang says the recent acts of violence committed against women and girls are deeply troubling.

In a statement, Chang pointed out that the heinous incidents have caused national outrage, inflicted deep pain on families and communities and have shaken the moral conscience of society.

In recent days, the country has been horrified by several violent acts against women and girls. These include, the sexual assault of two young girls, ages nine and 10, in Old Harbour, St Catherine, on May 7; the brutal strangulation and assault of a nine-year-old, Kelsey Ferrigon in Spanish Town, St Catherine, on May 9; the vicious physical assault of a nurse in uniform, in a road rage incident in Mount Friendship, St Andrew on May 13, and the recent discovery of skeletal remains believed to be those of Anisa Dilworth, a missing University of Technology (UTECH) student, found on a beach in Portmore, St Catherine, on May 17.

Chang described the despicable acts of violence against these women and girls as “a stain on our national character.”

He said, “They are not only criminal violations, but moral ones – offences against our shared values of decency, justice and human dignity. As minister of national security, let me state unequivocally- violence against women and children will not be tolerated! These acts will be met with the full force of the law.”

He further added that with these atrocities occurring during National Child’s Month, a time meant to affirm individual commitment to the safety, well-being and future of the nation’s children, is particularly distressing.

Meanwhile, the security minister sought to reassure family members of the victims that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and security of women and girls and by extension, the children of Jamaica. He promised that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Additionally, Chang commended members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force for what he said were their swift, thorough and professional investigations into these public-interest cases. He said their efforts, supported by the vigilance and cooperation of responsible citizens, have led to the apprehension of suspects and the swift progression of these matters in the criminal justice system.

Minister Chang noted that the government remains firm in its resolve to creating a society where women and children can live free from fear, intimidation and violence.

“We will not rest until our homes, our streets and our communities are safe for every Jamaican,” the security minister firmly noted.