Images of the Caribbean often suggest rolling hills with breath-taking sceneries, some of the most beautiful beaches worldwide, lush green valleys, the Caribbean Ocean with her gentle waves, and sun-kissed waters. Indeed, there are visions of steel-pan music, rum-punch, reggae and calypso music, warm and friendly people. For some women in the Caribbean, their lives are not one of paradise.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three women will experience intimate partner violence or be coerced into sex by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is characterized by the physical, sexual, or psychological harm done to a person by their partner or spouse. Both women and men perpetrate intimate partner violence; however, women are the primary victims of IPV. In many instances, the abuse occurs behind closed doors; therefore, signs of the abuse may not be visible. IPV occurs across all socioeconomic classes, as well as within all religious and cultural backgrounds.
In the Caribbean, reports indicate that violence against women is pervasive and at an epidemic level. A national survey conducted in collaboration between different governments and various organizations such as the United Nations (UN) Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women found that at least 46% of women in five Caribbean nations have experienced intimate partner/or sexual violence. The rates range from 48% in Suriname to 39% in Grenada. In addition, globally, ten of the top recorded rates of rape have been recorded in the Caribbean region. While globally, the average reported rape is 15 per 100,000, the average ranges from The Bahamas of 133, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 112, Jamaica 51, Dominica 34, Barbados 25 and Trinidad and Tobago 18 per 100,000. These numbers are even more alarming because in many instances gender-based violence is not reported to the police. Even if the incidents are reported, in many cases, the data are not aggregated to indicate intimate partner violence and sexual assault victims from other crimes. Also, victims may fear reporting to the police due to possibly escalation of the abuse if seen at the police station. Indeed, in some instances, the police officers are not sympathetic and proactive, resulting in further isolation of the victim. Moreover, there is a culture of silence in many Caribbean communities regarding wife-beating. While friends, family, and even community members may be aware of the incidents and, in many instances, are witnesses to the beating, they remain quiet. They often will not report the incidents to the police. There exists this notion that “one should stay out of other people’s business or commonly said man and woman business.” Thus, a socially normative element in the use of IPV appears to perpetuate and excuse the abuse. This is coupled with the stigma and shame associated with IPV, preventing some from seeking help. Some believe partner violence is justified in some circumnutates, such as women refusing to have sex with husband/boyfriend, not cooking dinner, unfaithful, disobeying their husband/boyfriend, or even being seen with another man. What is disturbing is that some women believe that these incidents warrant a “licking” from their partner.
Why are gender-based rates so alarmingly high in the Caribbean region? Several factors exist that perpetuate the violence. The Caribbean is a patriarchal society, with unequal power balances between women and men. The region’s history of patriarchy and societal changes and conforming with the international community presents a dichotomy. As a result, such dynamics can lead to conflict whenever women sought independence and equality, which naturally challenges the status quo of uneven power. In some cases, as previously referenced, violence comes into play as a counteraction to protect patriarchy, used as a form of control, or to regain control that may be viewed as threatened. Indeed, violence and threats are used to achieve dominance over women, reinforce gender hierarchy and punish disobedience.
Disturbing is that children often witness violent incidents. Research has pointed that those children exposed to violence as a child are the strongest indicator for becoming a victim or perpetrator of IPV. Thus, more culturally appropriate inventions are needed to understand why men who engage in violence rationalize it. An understanding of men who perpetuates incidents of IPV against women is essential to stop the abuse. Therefore, program implementation should focus on social and cultural norms that can normalize IPV and why some men justify abuse. Additionally, programs are needed to change attitudes that can lead to gender-based violence compounded with better enforcement of existing laws and stronger legislation.
-umw
