Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Joyce Hewett, president of Woman Incorporated, which operates the only shelter for battered women in the island. "A shelter is needed in the St. Ann or Trelawny area. This could facilitate the northern side of Jamaica," said Ms. Hewett. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

With a need for more shelters for battered women during the festive season, local women's groups are saying Government should urgently move to provide facilities for victims of spousal abuse.

Joyce Hewett, president of Woman Incorporated, the non-governmental organisation that operates the only local shelter, The Crisis Centre, said there is usually an increased need for safety for battered women during the Christmas season.

Since this week the centre has received up to four requests daily from women seeking refuge from their abusive partners. This in comparison to the seven to 10 calls they usually get per week throughout the year. Most of these battered women are denied access to a place of safety, due to a lack of space. The Crisis Centre, situated in St. Andrew, can only house 12 women.

Paulette Burke, who came out of a 16-year abusive relationship in 1998, is also lobbying for another shelter to be established.

"Luckily for me I had a good friend where I was able to stay while I left my children with another friend as, when I tried to get in at the shelter, I was unable to," Ms. Burke said.

Ms. Hewitt told The Gleaner that at least one more shelter needs to be established.

"It is very troubling for me as I wonder about these women who call and we are unable to assist them because we are full," said Ms. Hewett.

Between 1995 and 1999, reports of spousal abuse almost quadrupled. According to Woman Inc., it has jumped from 333 reports to more than 1,150.

There are no Government-owned shelters, though it has been almost a year since Jamaica's acceptance of the Convention of Belem do Para, signed last December to protect women's rights. In 1988, the Government also signed the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The conventions speak to the protection of women against abuse and discrimination, including providing shelter for victims of abuse in the 14 parishes.

"A shelter is needed in the St. Ann or Trelawny area. This could facilitate the northern side of Jamaica," said Ms. Hewett.

Regionally, a few countries have at least one shelter that can house a minimum of 24 women. Trinidad, the second largest English-speaking Caribbean island next to Jamaica, has at least three shelters; which in total facilitate about 60 women. Barbados has at least one shelter providing safety for 24 victims.