KINGSTON, Jamaica— The majority of Jamaicans seeking support through the Victim Services Branch (VSB) of the Ministry of Justice in 2025 were female, with a significant number in the 12-18 year age group.

Sex-related offences remained the leading reason for persons seeking assistance during the period, according to the Economic and Social Survey (ESSJ), the 2025 edition. The ESJ is an annual publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

The survey found that apart from sex-related offences, “other notable reasons” for approaching the VSB included intimate partner violence, murder, assault, domestic violence, threats, shooting and wounding, child abuse, and suicidal ideation.