Page 14 - Social Norms Survey

perpetuated crime and violence and blocked positive change among the CSJP’s target

population. The thinking was that having identified these norms in a scientific manner, the
PEU and its affiliates would be able to craft messages to counter them and, in terms of
sustainability, these findings could also influence policy and intervention design.

The first attempt to conduct this research was not successful and the PEU therefore returned

to the drawing board. Upon the second attempt, the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA)
was contracted to undertake a qualitative study of the social norms. The VPA conducted
several focus group discussions with school-aged children and young adults. As will be

indicated in the following pages some of the findings relate to issues of gang involvement,
intimate partner violence, a “culture of silence,” and bullying, among other negative

behaviours. They are quite telling.

The study shows that school-aged children are highly exposed to violence, which they

replay on a regular basis. One stark realization (which is not altogether alarming to the
PEU) was that violent behaviours have been meted out to children from sources that were
supposed to be “protective.” Children reported that parents and teachers had been

sources of violent behaviour and, among the majority of parents, this had become their
norm.

The study forms part of a very limited body of literature that exists in Jamaica on pro-
violent norms, thereby creating a platform for future research. The findings contained

in the pages that follow can also inform policies and programmes relating to crime
prevention, education, youth development, mental health, and family and intimate
partner relationships.

We wish to acknowledge and thank the schools, students and other young persons who

participated in the study.

Patrice Nephew

Communication/Social Marketing Coordinator
Citizen Security and Justice Programme III

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