Human Rights Lobby Group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has written to Gender Minister Olivia Grange, querying the status of the Joint Select Committee, tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of the Domestic Violence Act.
JFJ pointed out that after the committee was announced in December 2023, it met twice in March and April of 2024 and there has been no further indication of the committee’s activities or progress.
It said, this lack of action is deeply concerning, particularly in light of repeated commitments by the Prime Minister, to address the issue of domestic violence.
JFJ said, last May, it submitted written recommendations to the committee outlining essential reforms to strengthen the Domestic Violence Act and has inquired about the lack of meetings.
JFJ’s Policy, Research and Advocacy Manager, Jade Williams, said this delay and a lack of update on the effort of the committee are unacceptable, especially given the severity of the domestic violence crisis in Jamaica.
The JFJ said, the review and strengthening of the Domestic Violence Act are long overdue and further delays will only exacerbate the suffering of victims and the prevalence of domestic violence in the society.
The group has urged the Joint Select Committee to ensure that it resumes its work without delay and that its findings are prioritized for immediate action.
