Protect Jamaica’s Women and Children – Reform Sexual Offence Laws NOW
Protect Jamaica’s Women and Children – Reform Sexual Offence Laws NOW
The Issue
We call on the Government of Jamaica to urgently reform our laws to protect our women and children from sexual abuse and violence.
We, the undersigned — representing International Women Achievers Awards (IWAA) and the citizens of Jamaica and the diaspora — demand immediate, life-saving changes to Jamaica’s Sexual Offences Act.
Every day, girls and women across our island face sexual violence, trauma, and fear. Yet, our laws are outdated, our penalties are too weak, and communities are left in the dark about known predators.
It’s time for stronger protection, tougher punishment, and greater transparency.
✊ What We Are Demanding:
🔒 1. Raise the Age of Consent from 16 to 18
Children deserve protection. At 16, many are still emotionally vulnerable. Raise the legal age of consent to 18 to better shield minors from coercion and exploitation.
⚖️ 2. Stronger Penalties for Sexual Offences
Sexual predators must face strict, mandatory sentences — especially in cases involving minors or repeat offenders. Early release or leniency for such crimes must end.
👁️ 3. Stricter Supervision of Released Sex Offenders
Create a national system to monitor offenders after their release. Include mandatory check-ins, psychological evaluation, and law enforcement supervision.
📢 4. Public Sex Offender Registry
The public has the right to know who lives among them. Implement a transparent national registry of convicted sex offenders, accessible to parents, schools, and communities.
🧡 Why It Matters:
These reforms will:
Save lives
Deter predators
Support survivors
Restore public trust
Bring Jamaica in line with global human rights standards
We are speaking not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of Jamaicans — the young girls and boys who deserve to grow up safe, valued, and free from harm.
✍️ Add your name and help us demand justice, protection, and accountability.
Together, let’s urge the Jamaican Government to act now.
Our silence protects no one.
Our voices can protect everyone.
Sign now. Share widely. Change begins with us.
2,862
The Issue
We call on the Government of Jamaica to urgently reform our laws to protect our women and children from sexual abuse and violence.
We, the undersigned — representing International Women Achievers Awards (IWAA) and the citizens of Jamaica and the diaspora — demand immediate, life-saving changes to Jamaica’s Sexual Offences Act.
Every day, girls and women across our island face sexual violence, trauma, and fear. Yet, our laws are outdated, our penalties are too weak, and communities are left in the dark about known predators.
It’s time for stronger protection, tougher punishment, and greater transparency.
✊ What We Are Demanding:
🔒 1. Raise the Age of Consent from 16 to 18
Children deserve protection. At 16, many are still emotionally vulnerable. Raise the legal age of consent to 18 to better shield minors from coercion and exploitation.
⚖️ 2. Stronger Penalties for Sexual Offences
Sexual predators must face strict, mandatory sentences — especially in cases involving minors or repeat offenders. Early release or leniency for such crimes must end.
👁️ 3. Stricter Supervision of Released Sex Offenders
Create a national system to monitor offenders after their release. Include mandatory check-ins, psychological evaluation, and law enforcement supervision.
📢 4. Public Sex Offender Registry
The public has the right to know who lives among them. Implement a transparent national registry of convicted sex offenders, accessible to parents, schools, and communities.
🧡 Why It Matters:
These reforms will:
Save lives
Deter predators
Support survivors
Restore public trust
Bring Jamaica in line with global human rights standards
We are speaking not just for ourselves, but for the next generation of Jamaicans — the young girls and boys who deserve to grow up safe, valued, and free from harm.
✍️ Add your name and help us demand justice, protection, and accountability.
Together, let’s urge the Jamaican Government to act now.
Our silence protects no one.
Our voices can protect everyone.
Sign now. Share widely. Change begins with us.
2,862
Supporter Voices
Petition created on May 13, 2025