Policing Victims and Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence in Jamaica
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The University of the West Indies
Jamaica -
The University of the West Indies Jamaica
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) presents various challenges for victims and the police tasked with protecting them and investigating perpetrators. Using a mixed-methods approach, this article highlights some of the main challenges of policing IPV in Jamaica, a small island developing state. We present findings from interviews with police officers and content analysis of key legislation within a broader discussion, incorporating secondary data from national surveys and community focus groups. Collectively, this provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of policing IPV. We discuss some of the historical and social factors contributing to IPV in the country and examine how the police balance victim support with the investigation of perpetrators. Additionally, we identify key institutional and legislative barriers, such as inadequate training and legal limitations, which hinder effective policing. Finally, we propose the problem-oriented policing (POP) framework as a potential solution to improve the handling of IPV cases in Jamaica.
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Author Biographies
Cush Sewell Lewis is an experienced research professional, consultant, and educator specialising in monitoring and evaluation, grant development, and policy implementation. He has secured substantial funding for projects in governance, agriculture, and education with organisations such as the European Union and USAID. Cush has taught criminology at The University of the West Indies, Mona and Canadian Federalism at Red Deer Polytechnic in Alberta, Canada. His expertise spans data analysis, social impact assessments, and developing sustainable, community-driven solutions in small island developing states.
Stacey-Ann Wilson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica. She has a doctorate in Political Science from Howard University in Washington DC, USA. Her research interests are broadly in the area of critical political economy with a focus on culture, identity, and community; Indigenous relations; and innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship for development. Before joining UWI Mona, Stacey-Ann taught at Howard University and St Mary’s College of Maryland in the USA and Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Her most recent publication is an edited volume, Flawed Democracy and Development: A Jamaica Case Study (Lexington Books, 2024).