By Ashanti Lawson
Domestic violence is not a new crisis in Jamaica, but each new headline is a haunting reminder of how often the warning signs are missed, dismissed, or misunderstood.
Last Wednesday, a police constable in Essex, St Mary, allegedly shot his partner to death before turning the gun on himself. While the investigation continues, Dr Cheril Thompson, clinical psychologist, says the incident reflects long-standing and deeply rooted issues.
“The whole matter of domestic violence seems to be on the increase,” Thompson told THE STAR. “But really, it has been happening for a long time. What’s changed is how visible it’s become through social media and news coverage.” She explained that some people are at a higher risk of becoming victims, simply by virtue of who and where they are.
“Unfortunately, being a female is one of those risk factors,” she said. “Others include being a teenager or young adult, living in a high-crime area, or being in an environment where substance abuse is common.”
Thompson said that there are also red flags that indicate someone may become abusive, especially in relationships that are very young.
“If you’re dating someone who explodes over small things, even if it’s not directed at you, that’s a big red flag. Sooner or later, that anger is going to land on you,” Thompson warned. Not all abusers are openly aggressive. Some use emotional dependency and isolation to control their partners.
“They may not shout or hit, but they’ll find ways to cut you off from your support system. That’s violence, too,” she said. Mental health struggles can also play a role, especially when untreated.
“People who are depressed, extremely withdrawn, irritable, or dealing with bipolar disorder, these things can increase the risk. That doesn’t mean everyone with mental illness becomes violent, but it’s a factor to watch for,” Thompson said. She opined that love and hope often blind people to danger.
“People want the relationship to work. They ignore the signs or think they can help change the person. But those red flags are always there. The question is whether we’re paying attention.”
She encouraged young people to ask about their partner’s upbringing early on.
“If someone has experienced abuse or serious trauma, that doesn’t make them bad, but it may increase the likelihood that they’ll need help processing those experiences before they can have a healthy relationship,” she said. For women who suspect they’re in a dangerous situation, she advised them to trust their instincts.
“If something feels off, make a safety plan. You don’t have to wait for it to get worse. And you don’t have to go through it alone.”
She also called for a broader cultural shift, where domestic violence is treated not as a private shame, but a public health concern.
“Employers, teachers, friends, we all have a role. Workplaces, especially, should have systems in place to notice changes in employees, offer support, and refer them to help. This can’t just be the business of families in crisis,” she said. “These cases didn’t start the day they ended in tragedy. They started long before. If we’re serious about stopping them, we have to stop looking away.”