KINGSTON, Jamaica — Gender advocates are welcoming the completion of Jamaica’s third Government-run shelter for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
Minister with responsibility for gender affairs Olivia Grange announced the development last Friday while touring the facility, whose location has not been disclosed for security reasons.
Grange said the three shelters will provide up to 70 safe spaces and strengthen the Government’s ability to assist women across the island. The new facility is expected to begin accommodating survivors after September 1.
Gender and development practitioner Judith Wedderburn welcomed the move, saying the continued reports of gender-based violence show that additional safe spaces are urgently needed.
Joy Crawford, co-founder and executive director of Eve for Life, also praised the initiative but called for a national GBV shelter working group involving Government, NGOs and community organisations to improve coordination and expand non-government shelter options.
Advocates stressed that shelters should cater to survivors with different needs, including women with children, adolescents and women with complex needs, while providing counselling, referrals and other support.
Grange said the Government shelters offer more than emergency accommodation, providing counselling, skills training and a therapeutic environment to help women rebuild their lives.
The Government has also established domestic violence intervention centres at selected police stations as part of efforts to strengthen the national response to domestic violence







