KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it is expressing profound sadness at the death of 13-year-old Excelsior High School student, Kemelia Paul, who succumbed to injuries sustained after being stabbed while attempting to intervene in a domestic dispute at her home in St Andrew.

In a statement on Friday, Chief Executive Officer of the CPFSA, Laurette Adams-Thomas, extended condolences to Kemelia’s family, friends, school community and all those affected by the tragedy.

“The death of Kemelia Paul is heartbreaking and deeply troubling. We mourn the loss of a young life filled with promise, and extend our sincere condolences to her family, loved ones, classmates and teachers during this very difficult time,” Adams-Thomas said.

The CEO noted that beyond the grief, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact domestic violence can have on children and families.

“Children should not be placed at risk in situations like this. We have to look at the state of our families and the importance of protecting our children through building healthy home environments. Our children should never feel that they must step in to protect adults when it is the responsibility of adults to protect them,” she said.

Adams-Thomas stressed that every Jamaican family has a role to play in creating safe spaces where children can grow and thrive, which are free from fear and violence.

“Too many of our children are being exposed to conflict, abuse and violence within the very spaces where they should feel safe. As parents, guardians and caregivers, we must do everything within our power to ensure that our homes are places of respect, peace and protection,” she continued.

The CEO further urged individuals experiencing domestic violence to seek help before situations escalate into tragedy.

She stressed that the heartbreaking loss must be a call to action for Jamaicans urging them not to continue to normalise violence in homes or in communities.

Rather, Adams-Thomas said, “we must prioritise early intervention by seeking the necessary support, utilising available resources, and reporting abuse”.

She noted that in addition to reaching out the CPFSA, where the Child and Family Support Unit will provide therapeutic interventions to families, individuals can also contact the Dispute Resolution Foundation for assistance in mediating disputes.

The National Parenting Support Commission can also be contacted for assistance with utilising positive parenting practices within the household.

People who are experiencing gender-based violence can also reach out to the Bureau of Gender Affairs, where they can receive counselling and information on available resources and shelters.

Additionally, people can also access mental health services at local hospitals and health centres.

“Protecting children is not only the responsibility of child protection agencies; it is a responsibility that belongs to every parent, every family and every citizen,” Adams-Thomas concluded.

The CPFSA wishes to remind members of the public to report all known or suspected cases of child abuse by calling 211, the 24-hour child abuse reporting hotline.

Reports can also be made via WhatsApp or telephone at 876-878-2882 or 876-822-7031, by email at report@childprotection.gov.jm, or through the CPFSA’s social media pages at @cpfsajm.