D’Angel blasts attacks on women and girls

Dancehall artiste D'Angel said her "heart bleeds" because of the constant repeated violent acts against women and girls in Jamaica.

The artiste said this 'wound' was reopened after the emergence of a recent video of a schoolgirl being sexually assaulted by a group of boys.

"As an advocate against violence on women and children, it saddens my heart to see the constant reoccurrences. Especially now where it's widespread among the young children in schools, the latest victim a young lady who was seen publicly being abused by seven teenage boys," an emotional D'Angel shared with THE WEEKEND STAR.

She added that, despite the age of the persons committing such criminal acts, they "must be punished, once seen and [there's] evidence, they should be charged immediately, no hitching". She opined that some of the cultural norms and societal attitudes that perpetuate violence against women and children stem from the home.

"[Some] kids grow up and see parents behaving the way they act out on others. We need better and stronger parenting [and] we have to start from the root. That's why I started my school initiative earlier this year with a lunch money programme and mentorship," she said.

"I even did a song called Pray for Love but I really never got the support from the Government in order to continue the mission and do more for the children. [But] a lot more can be done in the homes to stop this behaviour," shared the No Worries artiste, while encouraging men and boys to start "protecting our women more and by showing them more love and respect".

She also advised young girls who may feel vulnerable or unsafe on the importance of self-empowerment and ensuring they put their safety first at all times.

"They just have to be very careful of their surroundings, walk in groups, and if they're making a decision on something, consult an adult. Also, watch what's happening to other children and understand that it can happen to you too and yuh have to respect yuhself," she said. D'Angel also advised them to enjoy being children, focus on their education, get home after school on time, and try to stay away from any situation that they might regret in the long run.

"Learn from other people's mistakes and be very vigilant because you don't want to be the next victim," D'Angel sternly advised. Additionally, she expressed that perpetrators should be guided through "proper parenting [and] counselling", in order to prevent these acts.

She shared that, through her social media platforms, she has teamed up with dancehall artiste Razor B to create a programme called 'Live at Five' in which they target "violence in schools".

"But wi got minimal support from our colleagues and the Government. [Nevertheless] mi and Razor B visited BB Coke and Cumberland High schools and set up a programme [there] - a lunch money drive for students who were being robbed of their money to alleviate this behaviour, and it made a big big difference. But because of the lack of support, the programme had to go on pause," she stated.

"When these things keep happening, we can't leave it like that or turn a blind eye because we have good parents who are very much against crime and violence against our youths," she added.

D'Angel suggested that with the help of the Government and other entertainers, she would be able to "make a bigger impact on several other youth but I need support".