CAPRI to release Jamaican ‘Women in Organised Violence’ report

The event will also be streamed live via CAPRI’s YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) pages, ‘CAPRI Caribbean’.

This study critically examines the role of women in organised violence, exploring the extent of their involvement and the structural factors that shape it. The report also highlights the significant evidence gaps in public discourse and policymaking on security, violent crime, and gender.

Key findings: 

• Women account for less than 3% of arrests for violent crimes, challenging the narrative of rising female involvement in violent acts.
• Unlike global trends, Jamaica’s female incarceration rate has declined since 2012, despite a 33% surge worldwide.
• Jamaican 'gangstresses’ operate strategically as financial handlers, couriers, and intelligence gatherer as they attract less law enforcement scrutiny.

CAPRI’s Director of Research, Dr. Diana Thorburn, will deliver a presentation exploring these findings and offer evidence-based insights to develop targeted interventions. 

Following the presentation, Dr. Thorburn will join a panel discussion moderated by CAPRI Fellow Aleem Mahabir, with expert contributions from:

• Ms. Claudette Thompson, Acting Director, The Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions 
• Dr. Dalea Bean, Head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies, UWI Mona Campus Unit.
• Mr. Dennis Brooks, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jamaica Constabulary Force

Members of the public who wish to attend the launch in-person must complete the RSVP Form at bit.ly/CAPRIHitsAndMisses.

The full Hits and Misses: Women in Organised Violence report will be available for download on CAPRI’s website (capricaribbean.org) following the launch.