JCF spreads love at domestic violence intervention clinic

The usual tense atmosphere in Parade Gardens in central Kingston morphed into a relaxed and comforting environment yesterday.

This is due to the serenading by the Jamaica Constabulary Force's (JCF) Band, which provided entertainment at the JCF Community Safety and Security Branch's domestic violence pop-up clinic in the community. The clinic is the brainchild of Deputy Superintendent Jacqueline Dillion, who believes the community can benefit from a different type of policing, to assist in reducing murders.

"Often times you hear that a son killed a father and it could have been avoided. We want to help residents with their conflict resolution skills to de-escalate situations so that it does not have to reach to death. So far, the residents have been enjoying it and we want to keep more of these events in the space. They might not be a lot on the roadway but they are in their homes listening," Dillion told the news team.

Dillion is the coordinator for the JCF's domestic violence intervention centres, and she shared that her office has noted an emerging trend in which more men are reporting incidents of domestic violence. She urged other victims not to shy away from making incident reports to the Matilda's Corner police or the Constant Spring Police Station, where her trained officers will assist.

The new head of the Kingston Central Division, Superintendent Berrisford Williams, told THE STAR that this initiative is one of a few being implemented to reduce and eliminate incidents of crime and violence that has plagued the community. He added that of the 79 murders reported in the division last year, he theorised that at least four stemmed from domestic violence.

"Any of those we can eliminate, will assist us in meeting our targets of significantly reducing violence this year. We hope that the message that will be sent out will be well received by them [residents] and will help us in fostering a better relationship. We want to see the numbers [murder figures] reduced. We know that a lot of violence we have come from inter-personal relationships and we hope that by using these measures, we can reduce the incidents of violence," Williams said.

Residents described the pop-up clinic as 'a good look' for the community, having endured months of hearing non-stop gunfire. One shopkeeper, Shanique, was clearly enjoying herself as she swayed effortlessly to the renditions of Tessanne Chin's single Hideaway and Queen Ifrica's Lioness on the Rise.

"I love it. I wish they would do it every week. A long time we need something like this, bring back likkle enjoyment in the place," Shanique said.

The domestic violence pop-up clinic was held under the theme 'Enough is Enough: Let's talk about it', and is the first of a week-long celebration across the island. The next stop will be Wednesday in Clarendon, with another on Friday in Westmoreland.