Jamaica

Area Information
Jamaica is a source and destination country in which children are trafficked internally for sexual exploitation. In 2007, the government passed the anti-trafficking statute prohibiting the trafficking of persons, including minors for commercial sexual exploitation.  Several cases have been initiated against traffickers for the sexual exploitation of children, particularly prostitution.  In 2009, Jamaica retained its classification on the U.S. Trafficking in Persons report as a Tier 2 country, which encouraged Jamaica to expand efforts to investigate, convict and punish traffickers for their crimes.


SHI Efforts in Jamaica

Shared Hope International has been active in addressing the rampant degree of sex trafficking that occurs in Jamaica. Through research, undercover human rights operations and restorative initiatives, Shared Hope International has been heavily involved in the fight to stop sex trafficking in Jamaica and in providing appropriate resources to victims of sex trafficking or other forms of sexual exploitation.

Research in Jamaica

In May 2006, SHI contracted with a human rights investigator to examine the commercial sex markets in Jamaica as part of DEMAND. SHI provided expertise and assistance to a team of six officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force Organized Crime Investigations Division, which conducted a sting operation that rescued a 14- year-old girl from prostitution. Two men, claiming to be her uncles, were caught on video accepting $400 from a "tourist" in exchange for sex with the girl.  The pimps were arrested and charged and the video capturing the entire transaction became evidence in their trial.

The case was set for trial and the Shared Hope human rights investigator was present in Kingston to testify for the prosecution.  This testimony coupled with the video evidence resulted in the traffickers entering guilty pleas to conspiracy to traffick a minor - a victory!  The traffickers now have time in prison to contemplate their crime.

Restorative Initiatives in Jamaica

Shared Hope International currently provides funding for two restorative homes to address the critical need for shelter to serve victims of sex trafficking in Jamaica: The Hebron House and Theodora’s Place.

Hebron House

In 2006, Hebron House  was established to address the critical need for shelter to rehabilitate victims of sex trafficking. Operated by Vision Makers of Jamaica and funded by Shared Hope International, Hebron House provides a safe place for women who are at high risk or are current victims of sex trafficking.

Shared Hope International is the primary funder of this restorative shelter facility that provides rescue and refuge for up to five women and their children.  Hebron House’s offers residents with continuing education, counseling, health care, parenting classes and vocational training.  The ultimate goal is that every woman leaves Hebron House with the essential independent living skills to support themselves and their new babies.

Theodora’s Place

In 2007, SHI partnered with the Theodora Project of the United Church of Negril to build a Village of Hope for the at-risk and exploited children.  SHI funded construction of the Theodora Project Computer Centre which was dedicated and opened in October 2007 with new computer equipment provided by Soroptimist International of Stuart, Florida.  Vocational and remedial training through the Computer Centre provides these students with marketable skills to ensure they do not become victims in the commercial sex industry in Jamaica or elsewhere. 

SHI and Soroptimist generously provided funds to construct Theodora's Place, a residential facility that will provide a safe place for at-risk and commercially sexually exploited girls to stay while they pursue their dreams of a better life through programs offered at the Computer Centre.  Shared Hope International currently funds Theodora’s Place through maintaining the programmatic costs for the shelter, including the counseling program, life skills development and educational training.

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