Forensic Psychologists in Jamaica – Needed Now more than ever by Nicole A. Cunningham MA, BA, CPS

If one looks at the overwhelming crime statistics concerning the number of murders stemming from domestic disputes and the violence perpetrated by individuals who are supposed to love, care and protect their partners, loved ones and children, one would realise that we are a nation not only in crisis but equally as evident, one that is in pain.

In psychology we tend to throw the statement about that ‘hurt people hurt people’ and while this is true it is only the tip of the iceberg as to why human beings who claim to love and cherish other human beings with whom they share space, still go on to commit such brutal and heinous acts against them. Even psychologists and counselors who have the best training, experience and expertise are shaken by the barbaric nature of some crimes of passion as that kind of rage speaks to deep-seated psychological trauma, distress and pain that cannot be explained away with a simple “him head chip” or excused with “a she must provoke him cuz is a usually quiet yout”.  

In July 2022, researchers Davis and Graham published a paper regarding one prominent and recurring social issue affecting our island - Intimate Partner Violence. The publication highlighted the fact that Jamaica has the dubious honour of having the second-highest rate of femicide (intentional homicide of females) and one of the world's highest rates of intimate partner violence. 

While the causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV) are complex, cultural attitudes have been found to contribute significantly to the scale and nature of violence against women and girls and the reactions and responses to it. There is a proven link between media consumption and cultural attitudes, with the news media playing a key role in the development and reinforcement of social beliefs, individual behaviours, and policy development. (Davis & Graham, 2022)

And the problem shows no signs of abating. In early March of this year, the St. Ann Police spearheaded an initiative to address the issue of domestic violence through greater partnership with communities and stakeholders in the parish. Senior Superintendent (SSP) Dwight Powell, at a regional briefing, shared that one-third of the 67 murders which occurred in that division in 2022 was as a result of intimate partner violence. This speaks to the fact that there is a general lack of communication skills used in our interpersonal relationships as well as a shifting in gender-based roles that some are now uncomfortable with and therefore do not have the necessary social tools to handle conflict which results in friction, frustration and eventual violence. 

Intimate partner violence aside, Jamaica also have a high rate of person incarcerated with mental issues, many of whom get lost in the system and are shuffled around from lock-up to lock-up until unfortunately they are eventually lost in the cracks in the system, never to see the light of day until years later or someone miraculously finds them wasting away in a cell, a mere shadow of their former selves.

Most Jamaicans will acknowledge that good mental health is critical to their personal well-being, interpersonal relationships, and successful contributions to society. However, while we know this, there still remains a stigma against those who need a little help to cope with emotional or psychological issues that may affect them like stress, anxiety, trauma and grief. Add to this is the cost of mental health not just on individuals and their families but the wider society. Persons who suffer from mental disorders are more likely to suffer from premature death, have trouble in the workplace, miss days of work (absenteeism) and/or have challenges functioning on the job (presenteeism).

What this leaves us with is a whopping mental health bill that we can ill afford but one which we also cannot afford to ignore as we do so at great risk. Currently, mental health is predicted to cause US$ 2.76 billion in lost economic output from 2015-2030, a higher economic burden than from any single category of non-communicable disease conditions except cardiovascular disease. When one also considers that many mental health problems and illnesses have their genesis in childhood or adolescence, it is essential that we address the obvious elephant in the room in order to ensure that future generations at least have a fighting chance at an improved quality of life.

On the plus side, more Jamaicans have been seeking assistance and treatment, meaning that the tide is turning against stigma and the label of being called “mad”, “psycho” or “schizo”. In 2013 and 2014, there were approximately 90,000 visits to public health facilities for mental health treatment annually. Visits increased by about 20% per year in the following two years with nearly 108,000 visits in 2015 and 132,000 in 2016. While promising, these figures are just a drop in the bucket of those who actually are in need and possibly represent as little as half of those with mental health challenges. Figures show that the treatment gap for mental disorders in the Caribbean region ranges from 37.4% (non-affective psychoses) to 64.0% (bipolar disorder). (UNIATF, UNDP, PAHO, 2019) 

All of these challenges demand attention and that is where the presence of a forensic psychologist can be an incredible long-term value. In recognition of the need to improve mental health treatment in Jamaica, the Jamaica Theological Seminary and its stakeholders in 2018, sought to address what in some areas have been liken to an emerging mental health crisis, by introducing their Masters in Forensic Psychology programme, the first of its kind in Jamaica. The programme has sought to address urgent national issues with interventive skills set specifically focused on psychotherapy, psychopathology and a host diagnostic assessment tools that are cutting edge in the treatment of a range of mental health challenges that Jamaicans currently face. 

The role and function of the forensic psychologist in Jamaica is long overdue as many persons in our correctional facilities have glaring mental issues but have no one to adequately assess them and give them a voice. The forensic psychologist applies psychological theory to criminal investigation to bring an understanding of psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour and then treat those who have committed offences. They work with all aspects of the criminal justice system and despite what you see on television shows where their role is chalked up to just creating a criminal profile on serial killers and psychopaths, the work is much more diverse, dynamic and complex. They can assist with child custody cases, mediation, diagnosis, trial fitness and competency to plead, conduct research, provide therapeutic services and basically give advice to the court when needed. It is a new and dynamic profession in Jamaica but one that is growing rapidly as already the University of the West Indies has embarked on their own programme to tackle the nation’s mental health issues and with more programmes and hands on deck, hopefully, Jamaica will soon have more persons competent and capable of de-stigmatizing and de-mystifying the issues surrounding mental health.

Nicola A. Cunningham MA, BA, CPS

Editor:

Do we have more persons with these skills to assist in crime fighting? Are we making use of these skills?