KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), through its Domestic Violence Intervention Centres (DVICs), in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other regional and international partners, is building the capacity of Jamaica’s first responders to use data to address domestic and sexual violence.

In a press release on Tuesday, the JCF highlighted a three-day Data Analytics Workshop, which commenced on Monday at the Terra Nova Hotel in St Andrew and is being delivered under the IDB’s ONE Caribbean regional programme.

The workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of first responders and key stakeholders to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual violence through data-driven decision-making and enhanced collaboration.

Throughout the three days, participants will examine trends and patterns identified through the JCF’s DVICs and the Jamaica Injury Surveillance System (JISS), with a focus on improving prevention strategies, resource allocation, referral pathways, and inter-agency coordination.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Warren Clarke championed the partnerships between the JCF’s DVICs, regional and international law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders, emphasising the importance of a unified response to domestic and sexual violence.

“Domestic and sexual violence is a serious issue affecting many people in our society, and it knows no boundaries. Neither should our response,” he said.

He also commended the work of the men and women serving in the DVICs, recognising their commitment to supporting victims and strengthening the JCF’s response to domestic and sexual violence.

Echoing this message, Jason Wilks, senior sector specialist for Public Management at the IDB, described the workshop as the beginning of a broader collaborative effort.

“This workshop is the beginning of an ongoing conversation. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, we can develop effective strategies to better address domestic and sexual violence,” he said.

Similarly, Charles Katz, director of the Centre for Violence Prevention and Community Safety at Arizona State University, highlighted the critical role of research and data analysis in shaping more effective responses to domestic violence.

He noted that the workshop provides an opportunity to examine existing systems and develop practical approaches that support both immediate interventions and long-term prevention efforts.

“Our goal is to use data to better understand the issues, improve our response, and develop a guidebook that can support Jamaica and the wider Caribbean,” Katz said.

As the workshop continues, participants will build on the discussions by exploring practical ways to use data to improve decision-making, strengthen partnerships, and enhance survivor-centred responses. Through regional collaboration and evidence-based approaches, the initiative aims to support the development of sustainable strategies to address domestic and sexual violence across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.