At least one human rights group has agreed with a proposal to engage domestic violence survivors in various communities across the island before finalizing a review of the Domestic Violence Act. 

Opposition Senator, Sophia Fraser-Binns made the suggestion during last week’s sitting of the Joint Select Committee tasked with strengthening the legislation.

Her proposal would be in addition to the formal written submissions that were invited by the Committee. 

Senator Fraser-Binns suggested that at least three community meetings outside of Kingston should be conducted to hear recommendations from survivors.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice, Mickel Jackson said she supported the Senator’s proposal, as decisions are often taken without consultation with those affected. 

She also suggests that the committee should make sensitivity a priority when survivors share their experiences.