THE BATTERING of 21-year-old Barbadian pop star Rihanna, allegedly by her boyfriend, entertainer Chris Brown, has refocused global attention on spousal abuse.

Today's commemoration of International Women's Day, however, has hollow meaning for the hundreds of Jamaican women who bear bruises from dysfunctional relationships.

Data from the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Statistics Department indicate that the rate of domestic violence is on the rise locally. Domestic-related murders, in particular, jumped 20 per cent in 2006 over the previous year. The police received 4,264 reports of domestic assault.

Some women suffer in silence, others fight back.

Sandra English is one victim and she has grown to hate men as a result of the painful experience she had with her babyfather. The relationship soured when her partner started to cheat on her.

"I heard that he was in a relationship, and when I talked about it he abused me both verbally and physically," stated English.

The tempestuous three-year relationship has caused her to be terrified of men. Now, her main concern is caring for her son. She isn't among many women who depend solely on men for financial subsistence.

"I am a teacher so I can take care of my son on my own. Therefore, man is history for me right now. I don't know what will happen later, but for now it will be that way," she said.

Fighting back

Some women, though, are fighting back.

In February, 35-year-old Michelle Brown, a teacher from John's Hall, St James, was arrested for killing her husband. And last Wednesday in Bethel Town, Westmoreland, 43-year-old Rohan Tulloch, a farmer and construction worker, died from stab wounds allegedly inflicted by the mother of his 18-month-old son.

Both relationships were reportedly characterised by physical abuse. In the Tulloch case, the accused had made several complaints about the deceased, but he attacked even while the police were trying to locate him.

Maria Rankine, counsellor at The Woman's Crisis Centre, has criticised police responses to the incidence of spousal abuse in Jamaica, arguing that strong intervention was generally not pursued until the situation spiralled out of control.

But Deputy Superintendent Anthony McLaughlin defended the police force, saying they do act quickly, particularly on death threats. He argued that the police get no warning when trivial disputes are about to escalate into violent confrontations.

Since 1995, the Domestic Violence Act provides protection for victims of domestic violence. The act was amended in 2004 to give wider coverage to persons in visiting relationships.

Name changed upon request

- nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com