There are moments when a country must look beyond its physical development—beyond the new builds, the skyline changes, and the growth of our communities—and turn inward to examine the deeper structures that support our society. November 25 was one such moment, as Jamaica joined the global community in observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
In Parliament, the Minister responsible for gender affairs shared statistics that reveal the hidden stresses affecting too many Jamaican households:
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1 in 4 Jamaican women has been physically abused by an intimate partner.
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1 in 3 has experienced sexual violence.
These are not distant numbers. They reflect women across the island—women at work, on the streets, in schools, and, most painfully, within the very homes that should offer safety and peace. The global reality mirrors this: one in three women worldwide will face violence in her lifetime.
This year’s theme, ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,’ highlights the new and increasingly harmful arena where abuse now occurs. As young women use technology to learn, socialise, worship, and express themselves, they also encounter cyberbullying, stalking, online harassment, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content. These attacks may happen through screens, but the consequences—fear, shame, isolation—are deeply real.
The Minister noted that Jamaica continues to strengthen its national response. The 24/7 Gender-Based Violence Helpline has been expanded, more community responders are being trained, and partnerships with law enforcement and social agencies have deepened. Regional shelters are now operating more effectively, offering women and their families safe spaces for rescue, recovery, and reintegration.
These efforts support Jamaica’s long-term frameworks, including the national strategies to eliminate gender-based violence and promote gender equality. Still, the Minister stressed that policies alone cannot shift culture.
Real transformation requires a Jamaica that refuses to normalise violence, refuses to excuse abuse, and refuses to stay silent. Women and girls deserve safety—online, offline, and everywhere in between.
At Jamaica Homes, the concept of “home” goes far beyond property listings and physical structures. A home is a sanctuary. It should be the place where every woman, girl, and family feels protected and at peace. When violence—especially gender-based violence—invades that space, it undermines the very essence of what makes a home meaningful.
Good housing, strong communities, and national development cannot be separated from safety and dignity. As Jamaica continues to build, renovate, and expand its physical landscape, we must also rebuild the emotional and cultural foundations that support a safe society.
A safer Jamaica begins with safer homes.
Break the silence. End the violence. Build a safer Jamaica for every family.
Disclaimer
This article is an independent rewrite by Jamaica Homes. Jamaica Homes is not affiliated with the Government of Jamaica, the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Bureau of Gender Affairs, or any public agency mentioned. All information is based on publicly available reports as of November 2025.