JAMAICA has received a big boost from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Supporting Victims of Violence (SVOV) Activity to address the effects of violence and promote safer communities

The SVOV Activity, a four-year initiative (2023–2027) funded by USAID, is implemented by the US-based Winrock International in partnership with local organisations, including Eve for Life and RISE Life Management Services.

The partnership focuses on strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination and delivering holistic, trauma-informed services to survivors, witnesses, and perpetrators of violence aged 10 to 29.

In a critical step toward addressing violence in Jamaica, Winrock International and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) recently formalised a partnership under the SVOV Activity.

The official signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) marked a pivotal moment in efforts to tackle the pervasive impacts of violence, and foster safer, more inclusive communities.

With the parties to the MOU noting that it is widely recognised that many homicides in Jamaica are linked to gang violence, with young men under 30 disproportionately affected as both victims and perpetrators, combined with the confusion surrounding available trauma-informed support services, they argued that it highlights the urgency of partnerships like this.

Emphasising the need to address critical gaps in trauma-informed care, community policing, and access to services for marginalised groups, SVOV Chief of Party Dr Charlene Coore Desai said, “The data tells a powerful story that violence remains Jamaica’s number one social and economic concern, affecting individuals, families, and entire communities.

“This partnership with JCF represents a pivotal step in transforming these challenges into opportunities for healing, safety, and resilience. By combining our expertise we aim to build a system that provides coordinated, trauma-informed support to survivors, witnesses, and even perpetrators of violence.”

In the meantime, Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake argued that JCF’s partnership with USAID and Winrock International demonstrates the power of shared responsibility.

“Together, we will strengthen our ability to serve and protect communities by addressing the root causes of violence and fostering trust and collaboration with the public,” said Blake

Under the MOU, Winrock International and JCF will work together to address systemic violence through evidence-based and community-led solutions.

Specific initiatives under the MOU include:

i. Conducting trauma-informed care training for JCF personnel, particularly in the Community Safety and Security Branch (CSSB) and the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA).

ii. Developing and distributing outreach materials to promote violence prevention and available services.

iii. Strengthening police youth clubs in hot spot communities to empower young leaders as advocates for conflict resolution.

iv. Expanding CSSB and CISOCA’s capacity to better support persons with disabilities.