Community heroine: Alicia Bowen-McCulskie is a voice against GBV

AT five years old, little Alicia, a basic school student, standing a mere 43 inches tall, lively, curious, and enjoying imaginative play, was sexually molested repeatedly by a person sworn to protect her. As if being sexually abused by a man ten times her size wasn’t enough, she was forced into secrecy and silence for fear of being further abused.

Robbed of her innocence, broken and voiceless, Alicia tried to deal with the effects of gender-based violence. For 36 years, she worked to pull herself from the shadow of abuse that crippled her for too long.

Determined to ensure that no one else would endure the shame, isolation, and darkness of gender-based violence (GBV) alone, Alicia Bowen-McCulskie became a voice for victims — offering the support and advocacy she never had as a child. This mission led to the birth of Circle of Care Jamaica, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing holistic support services for survivors of GBV. A symbol of strength and resilience, Alicia Bowen-McCulskie is recognised as a community heroine for empowering countless survivors and transforming lives through her work at Circle of Care Jamaica.

Years of advocacy and supporting fellow survivors solidified Bowen-McCulskie’s belief that her experience could be the foundation for creating safe spaces where victims could reclaim their voices and find the courage to heal. At 42, she fully embraced her purpose —to be a voice for the voiceless by sharing her journey, breaking the cycle of shame, and empowering survivors.

“I wanted to help others avoid what I went through — the secrecy, the silence, the lack of support. My goal is to connect victims with the resources they need to heal and rebuild,” she explained.

Her advocacy is built on dedication and trust, ensuring survivors feel safe and supported as they seek help. Through Circle of Care Jamaica, victims can access counselling, empowerment programmes, and support services to help them heal from GBV. For Bowen-McCulskie, the greatest reward comes from witnessing the transformation of survivors — knowing that her work has touched the lives of over a thousand individuals, guiding them beyond trauma and toward a life of purpose and success.

“One of our clients, currently enrolled in our counselling programme and support group, recently expressed her gratitude for the assistance she has received. Healing is a journey that cannot be rushed, and she has come to understand the importance of patience — not just with herself, but also with her family, who are navigating the healing process alongside her,” she said.

Bowen-McCulskie has expanded her work to support men and boys, with the understanding that improving their mental health is essential in the fight against gender-based violence.

“To effectively support women and girls, we must engage men and boys as key partners in prevention efforts. Addressing the social issues they face can help reduce instances of abuse. Currently, we are conducting mental health seminars and, more importantly, interactive workshops to identify suitable interventions men are willing to participate in to improve their mental well-being. By fostering mental health awareness and providing support, we believe we can contribute to breaking cycles of violence and creating a safer society for all,” she said.

Bowen-McCulskie acknowledges the government’s multi-agency and multifaceted approach to addressing gender-based violence and its ongoing efforts to reduce its prevalence.

“The recent introduction of national shelters is a clear indication of the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to supporting survivors of GBV. Additionally, the free services provided through agencies such as the Ministry of Justice for victims of abuse are commendable,” she asserted.

However, she emphasised that while progress has been made, much more needs to be done to address the widespread impact of GBV.

“The government has implemented significant measures, from social justice initiatives and legislative changes to enhanced protection programmes and service delivery, to support victims and survivors. Yet, structural barriers continue to prevent many survivors and vulnerable groups from accessing justice,” she explained.

Economic and demographic challenges, including a lack of legal literacy, stigma, and cultural norms, remain major obstacles to justice and support services. In response, Circle of Care Jamaica is actively addressing these gaps through its Care Mobile Tour, which travels across the country — particularly in rural and underserved communities — to increase access to critical support services for women and girls at risk, as well as survivors of abuse. Through strategic partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme, the Ministry of Justice, and the Government of Canada under the Social Justice Project, the Care Mobile Tour has expanded its reach, raising awareness and delivering on-the-spot support services to those in need.

Reflecting on the impact of her work, Bowen-McCulskie believes that her presence — not just physically but emotionally and vulnerably — makes a huge difference.

“Sharing my story, my pain, my journey, and even my struggles are what I believe truly connects with people. Circle of Care Jamaica has empowered, encouraged, and inspired survivors to break their silence and seek help,” she shared.

She envisions a future where women and girls are not just given opportunities, but are fully empowered to reach their potential — safe, supported, and free from violence.

“I want perpetrators of abuse to think twice, knowing that justice is swift and unwavering in its zero tolerance approach against all forms of violence —whether against women and girls or men and boys. A safer, more just Jamaica is possible, which is the future I work toward. We are here for you. A community of support and care exists through the Circle of Care, Jamaica.”