PREVALENCE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN JAMAICA: IMPLICATIONS FOR PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global phenomenon. It is pervasive in every society and cuts across culture, religion, wealth, status, age, and lifestyle. IPV is a violation of women’s human rights and a threat to public health and national development. However, in many societies, particularly developing nations, it is not given the national attention it deserves. The purpose of the current article is to present a snapshot of the prevalence and scope of IPV in the Jamaican context. In addition to presenting information on IPV and its consequences, the article uses ecological systems theory to delineate the various factors that potentially place Jamaican women at risk for intimate partner victimization. Further, the article proposes strategies for addressing existing cultural gender norms and beliefs about heterosexual interpersonal relationships and offers suggestions to policy makers for prevention and intervention approaches to limit the potential for the perpetration and maintenance of IPV. It is suggested that a combination of legislative action and public and private ventures will help reduce the incidence of domestic violence in Jamaica.
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Copyright (c) 2016 Delores E. Smith
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