Topic: The Impact of Police Perpetrated Domestic Violence in Jamaica

Sub Topics:
1. The Use of Professional Training by the Jamaican Police to Carry out Acts of Domestic
Violence.
2. The Pervasive Pattern Of Domestic Violence Perpetrated By Jamaican Police Officers
3. The Effects of Domestic Violence Perpetrated by the Jamaican Police on the :
Victims
Family
Communities Involved
Problem Statement:
Domestic abuse which involves the Jamaican police have been on the rise over the years, and
often ends in what we know as murder- suicides which can have a devastating impact on the
families involved as well as the community at large. One of the most talked about cases involved
the murder- suicide of Corporal Llewellyn who went on a murder spree in the tiny rural district
of Three Hills in St Mary, which later resulted in the paralysis of his estranged wife and the death
of his parents in law, brother in law and step daughter all of which resulted in shockwaves across
the island.
It is therefore important for us to truly understand the lasting effects that linger after such act of
violence in an effort to create a proactive approach for tackling the problem so as to provide
some level of alleviation for the victims involved.
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to seek and examine the dynamics of police-perpetrated
domestic violence and how it impacts the victims, the victims family and the communities
involved. It will also seek to explain how the Jamaica police uses his training and professional
life to contribute to his tactics of abuse. Finally the research will also shed light on the unique

dilemma encountered by the victims of whose abusers are members of the Jamaica Constabulary
Force.
Significance:
Domestic violence is a serious social problem and a national health concern with significant
negative impacts on individuals and our communities, especially when the perpetrators are the
same ones who should be enforcing the law.
The results of this study will significantly contribute to understanding the various issues relating
to domestic violence at the hands of the police. Specifically, the study would be critical for the
victims of domestic violence, policy makers and society in general. Additionally, various
stakeholders and special interest groups would be able to develop mitigation and intervention
strategies that would assist the victims and punish these crimes; paving the way for a violencefree Jamaica.
Background:
Domestic violence is always a terrible crime, but victims of police officers are particularly
vulnerable, this is because the qualities valued in police officers are often known to make them
one of the most dangerous domestic violence offenders. All abusers employ similar methods to
control and abuse their intimate partners, officers however, have skills and tactics not commonly
possessed by civilians. Professional training in force, weapons, intimidation, and interrogation
along with the police cultural climate makes such situations a dangerous and potentially lethal
combination in a domestic situation. The fear resulting from this exposure can not only cause
immediate physical injury, but also mental shifts that occur as the mind attempts to process
trauma or protect the body. Domestic violence affects ones thoughts, feelings and behaviors and

can significantly impact ones mental stability. Increased anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder
and depression symptoms are commonly observed among survivors of domestic violence.
.