More men reporting domestic violence in Jamaica, JCF says

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says more men are coming forward to report incidents of domestic violence, as awareness increases around support services available to male victims.

Head of the JCF’s National Domestic Violence Intervention Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jacqueline Dillon, said an increasing number of men have been reaching out directly to the police for assistance.

She was speaking to JIS News during the JCF Domestic Violence Unit’s Cross-Country Tour stop in Mount Salem on Saturday, March 14.

“We have, for the last couple of years, seen males coming to us directly. Some of them will not visit the centres; what they will do is call via telephone. Some of them will send you an email,” she said.

DSP Dillon noted that some men have also been contacting the unit from overseas.

“Just recently, I got an email from a male who is not in Jamaica but abroad, and so we have had males coming to us because I think many men now realise that there’s hope for them when it comes to domestic violence perpetrated against them,” she explained.

National data underscores the scale of the issue. In 2023, about 8,500 domestic violence cases were reported in Jamaica, with roughly 6,000 handled through dedicated centres. Domestic violence remains widespread, with nearly four in 10 women experiencing intimate partner violence.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has also noted that around 20 per cent of reported cases involve male victims, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that men feel supported in coming forward.

In 2025, Dr Holness said his administration is committed to tackling domestic violence and the culture of aggression that has taken root in Jamaican communities, noting that addressing these issues is critical to building a peaceful and safe society.

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He emphasised that violence is not only a public safety issue but also a deeply rooted social problem that continues to undermine the nation’s quality of life.

“In many communities across Jamaica, particularly in the inner city, many of our women and children are suffering serious abuse. Some of our men are also experiencing serious domestic abuse. Believe it or not, 20% of the cases reported are of men being abused,” the Prime Minister stated.

Importantly, the Prime Minister also raised concern about the culture that discourages men from speaking out about abuse, noting that this long-standing mindset has contributed to a wider societal problem.

DSP Dillon further pointed to advocacy efforts by the JCF aimed at ensuring male victims are able to seek help.

“The fact that the JCF has pushed to ensure that men have a voice when it comes to reporting incidents of domestic violence, we continue to see those increases,” she said.

“Last year we had an increase over the year before, and based on what is happening now, I am surmising that this will happen for this year,” DSP Dillon indicated.