Understanding Gender Disparity in Victimology & Perpetrators of Major Crimes in Jamaica, 2014-2024

Abstract

Introduction: Gender disparities in crime continue to pose significant challenges to the development of effective crime prevention strategies and justice systems in Jamaica. Globally, men are statistically more likely to commit violent crimes, particularly homicide, while women are often overrepresented as victims of domestic and sexual violence. At the end of November 2024, murders in Jamaica decreased significantly by 19.2% compared to 2023, with the total number of murders declining from 930 to 783. Other major crimes, such as rape, also saw substantial reductions, with a 38% decrease in reports during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Shootings and robberies dropped by 4% and 17%, respectively, while arrests and charges for major crimes increased by 9%.

Objectives: Evaluating the prevalence of female and male victims of major crimes in Jamaica from January 1, 2014-October 31, 2024; evaluating the prevalence of female and male perpetrators of major crimes in Jamaica from January 1, 2014-October 31, 2024; and evaluating the probability of both sexes being perpetrators of major crimes in Jamaica from January 1, 2014-October 31, 2024.

Methods and Materials: A time series research approach was used, with a secondary dataset from the JCF and NCVS, to capture unreported crime statistics and public perceptions, essential in understanding the full scope of gender disparities in crime.

Findings: The probability of a male being a victim of major crimes (murder, shooting, aggravated assault, rape, and robbery) is 0.7086 (70.86%) and 0.2914 (29.14%) among females. The probability of a male being a victim of murder is 0.9087 (90.87%) and 0.9997 for females being likely to be raped.

Additionally, the likelihood of a male being shot and robbed is 0.8759 and 0.5689, respectively. The possibility of a female experiencing aggravated assault is 0.2298. Most major crime perpetrators were males (prob. = 0.9686 [96.9%]), with the probability of a female being a perpetrator of murder at 0.0265 or 2.7%.

Conclusion: Despite the positive trends, the data underscores the continued need for community-based interventions, stricter gun control measures, and holistic approaches to addressing the root causes of violence.