Kemelia Paul’s death highlights need to confront domestic violence, says child protection agency

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is urging Jamaicans to confront domestic violence and do more to protect children, following the death of 13-year-old Excelsior High School student Kemelia Paul.

In a statement on Friday, the agency described Kemelia’s death as “heartbreaking and deeply troubling,” saying the tragedy should serve as a national wake-up call on the impact of domestic violence on children and families.

Kemelia died on June 9 after succumbing to injuries she sustained during a stabbing incident at her Bayshore Park, St Andrew home on May 9. She was reportedly injured while attempting to intervene in a domestic dispute.

A man who later surrendered to police has since been charged with her murder.

CPFSA Chief Executive Officer Laurette Adams-Thomas said the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death raise troubling questions about the environments in which some children are being raised.

“Children should not be placed at risk in situations like this. We have to look at the state of our families and the importance of protecting our children through building healthy home environments. Our children should never feel that they must step in to protect adults when it is the responsibility of adults to protect them,” she said.

She warned that too many Jamaican children are being exposed to violence and conflict in the very spaces where they should feel safest.

“As parents, guardians and caregivers, we must do everything within our power to ensure that our homes are places of respect, peace and protection,” she added.

Adams-Thomas said the tragedy must inspire meaningful action rather than condolences alone.

“This heartbreaking loss must be a call to action for all of us. We cannot continue to normalise violence in our homes or in our communities. We must prioritise early intervention by seeking the necessary support, utilising available resources, and reporting abuse,” she said.

She urged persons experiencing domestic violence to seek help before situations escalate and highlighted available support services through the CPFSA and partner agencies.

Adams-Thomas said protecting children is a shared responsibility.

“Protecting children is not only the responsibility of child protection agencies; it is a responsibility that belongs to every parent, every family and every citizen,” she said.

The CPFSA is also urging the public not to remain silent when children are at risk. Reports of suspected child abuse can be made to its 24-hour hotline at 211, or via WhatsApp or telephone at 876-878-2882 or 876-822-7031, email at report@childprotection.gov.jm, or through its social media pages, @cpfsajm.

It said early reporting and intervention remain critical to preventing abuse and protecting vulnerable children.

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