PM announces new initiative: While addressing the Parliament Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness sought to highlight that two out of every ten girls aged 15 to 19 years, accept the notion of physical abuse.

He also notes that 85 percent of children in Jamaica experience violent discipline through corporal punishment.

Holness says this kind of disciplinary action is embedded in the Jamaican society and it’s the responsibility of the Government to shift this paradigm.

In the meantime, the Spotlight Initiative National Steering Committee approved a new work plan on April 14, this the Prime Minister says is geared towards the training of frontline workers to better comprehend gender-based violence.