Dancehall superstar D’Angel is speaking out against the rise of violent acts against women in girls in Jamaica saying that her “heart bleeds” and that this “wound” was reopened following the posting of a recent video of a schoolgirl being sexually assaulted by a group of boys.
“As an advocate against violence on women and children, it saddens my heart to see the constant reoccurrences. Especially now where it’s widespread among the young children in schools, the latest victim a young lady who was seen publicly being abused by seven teenage boys,” D’Angel said, according to the Jamaica Star.
D’Angel went on to say that despite the age of the people committing the violent act in the video “must be punished, once seen and [there’s] evidence, they should be charged immediately, no hitching”.
“[Some] kids grow up and see parents behaving the way they act out on others. We need better and stronger parenting [and] we have to start from the root. That’s why I started my school initiative earlier this year with a lunch money programme and mentorship,” she continued.
“I even did a song called Pray for Love but I really never got the support from the Government in order to continue the mission and do more for the children. [But] a lot more can be done in the homes to stop this behaviour,” shared the No Worries artiste, while encouraging men and boys to start “protecting our women more and by showing them more love and respect”.
D’Angel also spoke about young girls and the importance of self-empowerment and prioritizing personal safety even if they feel vulnerable and unsafe.
“They just have to be very careful of their surroundings, walk in groups, and if they’re making a decision on something, consult an adult” she said. “Also, watch what’s happening to other children and understand that it can happen to you too and yuh have to respect yuhself,”
