Jamaica as a Traumatized Society

Author: Kai A D Morgan Campbell, Founder & Executive Director

Jamaica! Jamaica! Welcome to JamRock.

Sexual abuse. Molestation. Beatings. 

1 in 4 girls, aged 15-19 years have experienced sexual violence. 8 in 10 children ages 2-14 years have experienced some form of physical and psychological violence. Homicide rates at 43.85 per 100,000. Culture of violence, you think?

What precedes a culture of violence is societal traumatization. The evidence of societal traumatization lies in our behaviours, which have been passed from generation to generation through our DNA. Behaviours that have been adaptive from the days of slavery and perpetuated through the years, serve us in some situations and denigrate us in others. 

Do you recognize any of these present-day behaviours that are signals of the trauma we hold in our bodies?

• Feeling like people only respond the way you’d like them to when you’re aggressive / hostile? Or only responding to persons when they become aggressive or hostile

• Feeling like the only way to discipline our children is to shout afta dem and lick or beat dem

• Only expressing negative views of our children

  
  

Jamaica is known for its vibrant culture, reggae beats, and resilient people, but beneath this lively exterior lies a nation grappling with deep-seated trauma. The harsh reality is that Jamaica is a society shaped by violence and a legacy of intergenerational pain. Understanding this trauma is crucial to healing and moving forward together.

The Roots of Trauma

The trauma in Jamaica didn’t start yesterday. Our history is scarred by colonialism, slavery, and systemic exploitation. These injustices left behind psychological wounds that continue to affect how we live and interact today. The trauma from those dark times didn't disappear—it was passed down through generations, like an emotional inheritance.

When trauma is left unresolved, it doesn’t just vanish; it becomes embedded in our communities, affecting how we raise our children, relate to one another, and even how we perceive ourselves.

A Culture of Violence

Jamaica has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality that shapes the lives of countless families. Violence isn’t confined to the streets; it often seeps into homes and schools, leaving children and adults alike constantly on guard.

Living in this environment creates a collective trauma where fear and distrust become part of daily life. When children witness violence or grow up in abusive households, they carry those scars into adulthood, often repeating the cycle because it’s all they’ve known.

Intergenerational Trauma

Imagine growing up in a home where showing emotions is seen as weakness. Many Jamaicans are taught to “tough it out,” to endure without complaint. But when we suppress our pain, it doesn’t disappear—it festers. This is how intergenerational trauma gets passed down.

A child who grows up surrounded by violence, neglect, or emotional coldness learns to internalize those patterns. These coping mechanisms are then passed down, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. The result? Generations of Jamaicans carrying the weight of pain they didn’t create but inherited.

Breaking the Cycle

Despite these challenges, Jamaicans are resilient. We have the power to break free from these cycles of trauma—but it starts with acknowledging that the pain is real. Healing isn’t just an individual process; it’s a community effort.

Here’s how we can begin:

1. Talking About Mental Health: We need to break the stigma that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Opening up about mental health can save lives and help heal generations.

2. Community Support: Programs focusing on trauma-informed care and community healing are essential. Creating safe spaces where people can talk about their experiences without judgment can make a huge difference.

3. Addressing Root Causes: We can’t heal if we ignore the root issues—poverty, unemployment, and inequality. True healing means creating opportunities for everyone.

   
   

A Brighter Tomorrow

Yes, Jamaica is a society living with trauma, but we are also a people capable of incredible healing. By facing our past and working together, we can break the cycle for future generations. Imagine a Jamaica where children grow up without fear, where healing is prioritized, and where every citizen can thrive.

Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but with each step forward, we get closer to a Jamaica that’s not defined by its past but empowered by its future.

For more insightful articles, visit KAHLE Blog Posts.