A SAFE SPACE TO HEAL: JCF C.A.R.E AND DVIU EMPOWER FAMILIES IN ST. ELIZABETH
Some sat in silence; some sat humming tunes to songs they made up. But the end result was art—a combination of colours, patterns, and shapes, all emitting from the hearts and minds of the children.
The JCF CARE (Children Advocacy and Resilience Empowerment) Initiative collaborated with the Domestic Violence Intervention Unit in Maggoty, St. Elizabeth, on Saturday, February 7. The initiative included domestic violence sensitization sessions for adults and play therapy for children within the community supported through a partnership with GEM(Global Empowerment Mission).
The children were issued with toys sponsored by American Friends of Jamaica(AFJ) and packages which contained snacks provided by the JCF and GEM. The package also included a special JCF Activity Book which added another therapeutic element for the children. The book contains 24 pages of colouring, puzzle and writing activites that allow children to explore their feelings, encourage positive thoughts, and empower them with information for their own protection as well as to become advocates for their peers.
The children’s hearts were filled with excitement, not only because they were given toys and had the opportunity to play, but because police officers facilitated and interacted with them in meaningful ways.
“This is a safe space for our children, and I am beyond grateful that Phase Two of the CARE Initiative is so focused on the psychosocial well-being of the children. They need that—and believe me, they are having a great time,” expressed Superintendent Coleridge Minto, Commanding Officer for St.Elizabeth.
SP Minto sat with the children at their table and engaged them in conversations about who to call whenever they need help and how to identify a police vehicle. He challenged them to recite the police emergency number. “119!” they yelled in unison.
Sasheena Salmon, age 12, sat quietly and seemingly undisturbed as she soaked in the environment. With memories of the hurricane that left a lasting impact, her artwork reflected that lingering experience—a drawing of clouds and rain.
“Even though we are here with the aim of restoring hope within our children we are also empowering our communities to seek help when they need it and not wait. Once you see the signs of domestic abuse, you need to reach out to someone for help,” implored Deputy Superintendent of Police Jacqueline Dillion, head of the Domestic Violence Intervention Unit.
She highlighted that during one of the domestic violence sessions, the team discovered a common misconception surrounding the reporting of domestic violence.
“A lot of persons will say they need help and will go to make a report, but are not willing to follow through with making a statement. This is what enables the police to help by effecting arrests,” she continued.
“We also saw families who were eager to work through their issues, so it’s good that we are here today to help guide them. They want to find an avenue, and we want to help them do just that,” she concluded.
During the month of February, the Domestic Violence Unit will continue to partner with the JCF CARE Initiative to raise awareness on all matters concerning domestic violence and to build resilience among children, especially those who reside in the most severely affected parishes. The JCF will continue to build trust and foster partnerships within communities as it sharpens its focus on strengthening our people, strengthening our bonds, and strengthening Jamaica.
