With domestic violence becoming an increasing concern for the Hanover police, authorities have launched a public- sensitisation campaign using reactivated Neighbourhood Watch groups to help communities confront and reduce the growing problem.

Although he did not provide supporting statistics, Superintendent Andrew Nish, commander for the Hanover Police Division, told a recent meeting of the Hanover Municipal Corporation that while major crimes weare declining in the parish, the police have been placing increased focus on domestic violence, which is becoming a growing concern.

In an interview with The Gleaner this week, Corporal Monique Bartley, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for Hanover, reiterated that domestic violence is among topics usually discussed at community meetings.