SHARON HAY-WEBSTER, MP for South Central St. Catherine, wants Parliament to undertake a comprehensive study of the impact of rape, incest and carnal abuse on the society.
Mrs. Hay-Webster gave notice of a motion in the House of Representatives yesterday, seeking the approval of her colleagues to refer the matter to the Human Resource and Social Development Committee of the House.
"Personal trauma for victims of incest, carnal abuse and rape lasts throughout the victim's lifetime," the motion said.
The MP brought the issue to the House against the background of what she said was an increase in the number of rape and carnal abuse cases.
In her motion, Mrs. Hay-Webster also called for the parliamentary committee to review the Offences Against the Person Act, with a view to recommending changes to it and supporting legislation "which should also include the notification of victims and the wider community, as is necessary, once the offender is released."
On the weekend, the Denham Town police warned young women about two serial rapists who they said have been picking up unsuspecting victims in downtown Kingston.
MOST OF 26 CASES
Det. Inspector Norman Hamilton was quoted in The Gleaner on Monday saying the men were targeting females of 17 to 25 years. He said they were responsible for most of the 26 cases of rapes committed in the Kingston West Division since January.
"Women who fall prey to these men are those normally seeking information," Det. Inspector Hamilton said. He added that the men would engage young women in conversation and try to lure them to areas where they would be sexually assaulted.
The police are advising women who are seeking information in downtown Kingston that they should talk to police personnel on beat duty, or go to the City Centre Police Station on Tower Street, the Area Four Police Headquarters at West Street or the Kingston Central Police Station on East Queen Street.
