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The Changing Face of Domestic Violence Intervention in Jamaica

A new generation of police officers is helping domestic violence victims overcome their darkest hours with care, compassion & comfort

December 22^nd, 2022

The Changing Face of Domestic Violence Intervention in Jamaica

It’s way past regular work hours when Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Jacqueline Dillion takes a distress call on a mobile phone assigned to the Domestic Violence Intervention Centres (DVICs) in Jamaica.

DSP's timing, response and follow-up can mean life and freedom, over injury or death for the victim - before it's too late.

This is a typical day for Dillion and her team of DVIC officers who are the new and increasingly visible face of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s domestic violence response.

DSP Dillion heads the response team that operates a network of 10 DVICs at police stations but set apart from the general hub of the station. Each DVIC is run by a trained police officer offering intervention through counselling, referrals, law enforcement intervention, protection, follow up, home visits and other services based on need.

Dillion and her team of centre managers brand this compassionate, accessible service ‘DVICare’ – one that includes the physical centres and a broad range of services to those in need.

Spotlight expands DVICs to 10

DVICare is also codeword for access: Mobile and landlines are promoted on websites, brochures and pop-up events to ensure quick and easy access to the officer network.

DSP Dillion explains the appeal of the DVICare model this way: “Not everyone wants to just walk into a police station. They want to go to somewhere they can get the help and feel secure. So, when you put these centers at the fingertips of residents it's all the better because the help is right there,” she explains.

Before mid-2021, the Jamaica Constabulary Force only had four such centres serving all Jamaica. The network expanded to 10 when six additional containerized centres were established with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Multi Country Office in Jamaica under the European Union-financed Spotlight Initiative. This was combined with a survivor-centred training series delivered by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

An actor portrays a bettered woman in a Public Service Announcement promoting contacts for the DVICs

The erection of signage at the six additional DVICs established by UNDP in partnership with the Police Force under the European Union-funded Spotlight Initiative

The DVICs are a space for victims to relate their story without feeling judged & ridiculed. They are safe havens for many victims of domestic violence

"They have done tremendously well", DSP Dillion says in her assessment of the impact of the additional DVICs established under the Spotlight Initiative." Based on my assessment and based on talking to people who have used the centres, (the DVICs) have provided the kind of space and avenue where they feel comfortable to relate their story without feeling that they may be judged and ridiculed. "They are safe havens for many victims of domestic violence. The follow through, the follow ups, the constant keeping in touch with victims - makes it easier for victims or survivors to want to talk to us," she reports.

TheDVICs are safe havens for many victims of Domestic Violence - DSP Dillion in a 2 minute video summary for social media

Heavy caseload

With 10 centres partially ISO-9001 certified for customer-driven quality management standards, and strong word-of-mouth-confirmation from satisfied clients – walk ins, calls and referrals are steady, in some cases rising.

In the first 10 months of 2022, the number of domestic violence cases referred to the DVICs by police divisions are already 15.6% higher than the referrals for all of 2021. In 2022, 1324 cases were referred to the DVICs compared to 1145 cases in 2021.

Most persons however contact the centre directly. In 2022, DVICs islandwide recorded 1720 intimate partner violence cases and 924 family violence cases, with more than 650 reports made by children. Males are also braving the stigma of reporting to the DVICs despite perceptions that question the manhood of abused men – some 743 between January and October 2022 – but cases reported by females continue to outstrip the males nearly 3 to 1 and stood at 2201 by October 2022.

Snapshots of moments in time in Jamaica's domestic violence caseload, closely monitored by DSP Dillion. (Photo: Talk Up Yout for UNDP MCO in Jamaica)

Domestic violence cases referred to the DVICs Jan to Oct 2022 are 15% higher than referrals for all of 2021.

Jamaica a domestic violence hotspot

Jamaica remains a hotspot for Domestic Violence. Nearly one in three women have experienced Gender Based Violence (GBV) at a prevalence rate of 27.8% while one in four report experiencing intimate-partner violence in their lifetime, states the last National Prevalence Survey in 2018.

Part of the challenge is deeply rooted beliefs and traditions, the study confirms. As an example, two out of 10 girls aged 15 to 19 years think it is okay for a husband or partner to hit his wife or partner, and 85 per cent of children experience violent discipline at home.

Despite the high prevalence, most female victims turn to their personal networks and avoid reporting to the police, only turning up when they are severely injured, the Survey indicated. The DVICs hope to change that.

1 in 4 women in Jamaica have experienced gender based violence. (Canva Image )

Spotlight signage going up on the new DVICs.

Most female victims turn to their personal networks & avoid reporting to the police, only turning up when they are severely injured.

“People are understanding we have a domestic violence problem and that this is not a private issue,” observes DSP Dillion. “Employers are getting more aware that there is help available. Many of them will tell you that they had no clue that the services were available”.

The expansion of the DVICare network has been welcome because it provides confidentiality & comfort. They feel comfortable coming to us.

The expansion of the DVICare network has been a welcome initiative, says Detective Constable Damian Hammond, center manager for the Portmore DVIC, by far the island’s most patronised. “Community members appreciate the centre because it provides confidentiality and comfort. They also feel comfortable coming to us.”

He says, “we have gotten a lot of thank you’ s and persons really appreciate the effort”. Clients are so warmed to the DVIC service that “there are times when we are about to refer somebody, and the client responds I don't want to leave I want to stay here at the DVIC”, he says.

Greeted with a pleasant face

When asked to explain what pulls clients to the DVIC he says: “They are greeted with a pleasant face and are free to express themselves in a comfortable environment … We are about caring for and empathizing with persons … its’ a safe haven. Once you are with us you are protected, (and) you can rest assured we will act in your behalf and best interest”

Centre manager for the Portmore Domestic Violence Intervention Centre in Jamaica, Detective Constable Damian Hammond (right) and Sergeant Princess Bayliss Ranger sub officer in charge of the Portmore Community Safety and Security Branch.

How do clients respond to the detective as a male? “Contrary to popular belief that females prefer to talk to females, they are (also) willing to talk to me as a male, he says with a smile. Often times they ask for Mr. Hammond and if I am out, they may say 'I'll wait till he comes back', the detective constable reveals.

Constable Ramona Tapper, a DVIC centre manager says “we’re not saying we’re miracle workers but we are open and we will listen to you. We believe in confidentiality, so whatever is said here is kept here; you don’t have to worry,” she says.

Confidentiality a cornerstone

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the DVIC brand. This is why our multiple requests for interviews with DVIC clients were flatly refused by DSP Dillion. The answer is no,” she says with calm finality.

“Confidentiality is paramount. If we cannot guarantee confidentiality … then what I am doing around domestic violence makes absolutely no sense,” she explains. “It is one of the reasons why I give no information about my client’s name … because I do not want to expose them. They must feel comfortable that they can come to the police and talk to the police and the police keep it close to their chest.”

Big Dreams for DVICare

She says the team hopes to expand the DVICare reach across the island. "We encourage anyone who wants to partner with us to come on board because we need all the help we can get," she says.

With confidence growing in the service, new centres will be integrated into the physical infrastructure of newly renovated and constructed police stations, DSP Dillion discloses. But she has bigger dreams for DVICare in Jamaica.

DSP Dillion flatly refuses to refer any client for interviews. Confidentiality is utmost she declares. I will not compromise our clients.

One stop shop for domestic violence cases proposed

She wants a one stop shop for Domestic Violence intervention adapted from the Canadian model. This incorporates investigations, counselling, legal advice, victim and medical support and court system representatives under one roof. “I would also like to see a protection court in Jamaica that only deals with domestic violence matters. That court’s sole responsibility is to determine and grant protection and occupation orders”, she outlined. DSP Dillon explains this does not require construction of new courthouses. “All that is required Is that you designate one court in each parish as a protection court.” The establishment of the court would reduce the waiting time for court orders and the likelihood of an attack by abusers, she said. DSP Dillion is also calling for dialogue with the court system to clarify the law’s designation of police as prescribed persons who can secure protection orders on behalf of victims.

Training is key

While she quietly advocates for this comprehensive and more inclusive version of DVICare, year-round training has become one of her priorities for equipping centre managers to fulfil their mandate. Trainings cover standard operating procedures, risk assessment, the law, trauma and grief in domestic violence, psychology of self and emotional intelligence and other relevant topics.

I believe in training and development - cutting edge - to ensure that we give a world-class service to persons who come to the DVI care centre,” says Detective Constable Hammond.

Strengthened by training and inspired by a determination to serve, Hammond and his colleague managers, under the leadership of DSP Jacqueline Dillion are the new face of domestic violence intervention – one that victims want and need to encounter in their time of crisis.

Detective Constable Hammond on the step of the Portmore DVIC

DSP Jacqueline Dillon and Constable Steve Tyndale reassure the public of their mission.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global initiative of the United Nations which has received generous support from the European Union. Its aim is to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica is assigned lead implementation responsibilities for two pillars under Jamaica's Spotlight Initiative programme - Pillar 1: Legislative and Policy Framework; and Pillar 2: Strengthening Institutions.

Footnotes

Written by Gillian Scott, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica. Technical support from UNDP Spotlight programme manager Shellian Forrester. Photos by Talk Up Yout for UNDP MCO in Jamaica.

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