The Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU) has adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards Gender-based violence in any and every form.

In a resolution passed at its 169th General Assembly held from February 20-24, 2019, the JBU agreed the following concrete actions:

1. Establish a clear denominational policy on Gender-based violence as an affirmation of the equality and the dignity of all human
beings.
2. Promote gender sensitization education for congregants including specific focus on the contributing factors to Gender-based violence.
This should be undertaken with urgency during our current focus on “partnership”, using existing material that will raise awareness
and encourage congregations to lead in the national response.
3. Provide training for pastors and other pastoral workers in updated counselling/helping methods and modalities, which include raising
awareness about, deepening sensitivity to and instituting protection against approaches and practices that wittingly or unwittingly
foster perpetuating harm to those we serve as agents of God’s Church.
4. Establish and highlight Safe Spaces in our churches for the holistic delivery of curative and preventative services that seek to
address the needs of both those who are victims of and vulnerable to Gender-based violence.
5. Engage in specific initiatives and foster a culture of partnership with Government and NGO’s to participate in and contribute to
national programs aimed at addressing Gender-based violence.
6. Encourage the adoption of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Thursdays In Black campaign, in congregations island wide, to give
visible support to victims and show solidarity against Gender-based violence, as an expression of partnership.

The JBU also organized a march and town hall discussion on the subject during the General Assembly.