Lisa Hanna Raises Alarm on Sexual Violence in Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica – Jamaican politician and advocate, Lisa Hanna, has recently sparked an intense online conversation about the disturbing prevalence of sexual violence in the country. In a candid post shared on her social media platform, Hanna shed light on the use of sex as a weapon of assault, manipulation, and control, particularly among young people in Jamaica.

Hanna’s post was rated “R” or A16, warning readers of its graphic content involving sexual language, violent sexual assault, and death, underscoring the seriousness of the issue. In her statement, she highlighted the growing trend of sexual violence, which, alarmingly, is seeping into the country’s high schools.

This is RATED R or A16 – for sexual language, sexual violent assault and death. Some may find the discussion disturbing.

In Jamaica -where sex is wielded as a weapon of assault, manipulation, and control, and this reality is already in our high schools.

Children’s Advocate… pic.twitter.com/SsZC1GRHbC

— Lisa Hanna (@LisaHannamp) September 25, 2024

The former Miss World referenced a 2019 warning by Children’s Advocate, Diahann Gordon Harrison, about the disturbing rise of “revenge porn” among Jamaican teenagers. In these cases, young couples in relationships consensually film themselves in sexual acts. However, when the relationship deteriorates, one party may maliciously release the footage to publicly humiliate the other. This form of digital abuse has become a growing concern, adding to the existing challenges of sexual violence within Jamaica’s youth population.

Hanna also brought to attention a 2017 statement from Superintendent Enid Ross-Stewart, then-head of the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), in which it was revealed that high-profile figures, including pastors and police officers, were among the leading perpetrators of sex crimes against children. This shocking revelation highlighted the extent of the problem and the urgency for systemic change in addressing sexual violence.

In her social media post, Hanna recounted her personal experience with threats of sexual violence, following remarks she made several years ago in a civil society group meeting. She recalled how a radio journalist misrepresented her comments about questioning Jamaica’s institutional systems, resulting in an outpouring of violent threats directed at her. Many of these messages, Hanna revealed, contained graphic and disturbing descriptions of gang rape and murder, with several threatening her with death after violent sexual assaults.

“I was surprised that most involved ‘reprimand by violent sex,’” Hanna wrote, emphasizing the deep-rooted issue of sexual violence as a form of punishment against women who dare to question societal norms.

Hanna’s post, which quickly went viral, garnered nearly 4,000 views, igniting a broader discussion about Jamaica’s culture of violence, particularly toward women. Her brave stance has called for urgent action to address the systemic nature of sexual violence and bring about change in both law enforcement and societal attitudes.

As the conversation continues, many are looking to the Jamaican government and civil society organizations to implement stronger policies to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

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