The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is urging Jamaicans to confront domestic violence and do more to protect children, following the death of 13-year-old Excelsior High School student Kemelia Paul.

In a statement on Friday, the agency described Kemelia’s death as “heartbreaking and deeply troubling,” saying the tragedy should serve as a national wake-up call on the impact of domestic violence on children and families.

Kemelia died on June 9 after succumbing to injuries she sustained during a stabbing incident at her Bayshore Park, St Andrew home on May 9. She was reportedly injured while attempting to intervene in a domestic dispute.