Despite the passing of the Domestic Violence Act (1995) and its amendment (2004), gender-based violence against women physically, sexually and emotionally is still widespread.

Between 2002 and 2006, the number of cases at the Victim Support Unit (VSU) doubled. In over 70 per cent of acts of violence against women, such as rape and carnal abuse - half the victims are children under 16. (Women's Media Watch - Looking Out. Vol. 3#1. May 2007.)

The August 2006 report on Jamaica of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, thirty-sixth session, noted with grave concern the extent, intensity and prevalence of violence against women, especially sexual violence, in Jamaica.

It is expressed concern that the inadequacy of response of the legal system, the persistence of stereotypes that devalue women, insufficient training of criminal justice personnel, and the lack of enforcement measures designed to combat violence against women have contributed to a de facto culture of impunity, constituting an obstacle for women's access to justice.

The committee, while noting that the Jamaican Government has made some effort to address such violence against women, including the passage of the amendment to the Domestic Violence Act and the ratification of the Convention of Belm do Par, was concerned that so far, the problem has not been addressed in a holistic and systematic manner, and that measures designed to combat and eradicate all forms of violence against women are not enforced in practice.

The committee said that the prevailing gender stereotypes and patriarchal culture and macho image of men may be contributing factors to the levels of violence against women.

The committee spoke of insufficient means of judicial recourse for victims, and a lack of victim services and protection, and of effective punishment of perpetrators of such violence.

Priority attention

The committee urges the Jamaican Government "To give priority attention to the design and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat and eradicate violence against women, in conformity with general recommendation 19 to prevent violence, punish offenders and provide services for victims.

"Such a strategy should also include awareness-raising measures and sensitisation of, in particular, the judiciary, law enforcement officers and prosecutors, as well as teachers, health care and social workers and the media.

"It calls upon the Government of Jamaica to ensure the implementation and effective enforcement of existing laws, and the priority passage and implementation of pending laws. It also encourages the Government to link its efforts to combat prevailing gender-based stereotypes with its efforts to combat violence against women".

It encourages the Government to seek the help of the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women.