National programme to expand trauma care and curb violence after Hurricane Melissa

Families in several communities hit by Hurricane Melissa are to receive stepped-up psychosocial help, as officials respond to rising levels of psychological distress, domestic abuse and conflict between residents.

That course of action was agreed at a National Security Council session chaired by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and convened last Thursday.

According to a government release, the council examined reports pointing to growing psychological trauma, domestic violence and interpersonal strife across a number of Melissa-affected districts. No further particulars were set out in the statement.

Officials said the council green-lighted work on a joined-up national initiative that would scale up trauma counselling, community mental health outreach, family intervention schemes and violence-prevention efforts in the hardest-hit zones.

Holness underlined that the administration continues to stand with households still struggling to get back on their feet.

“Recovery is not measured only by the number of homes rebuilt or roads repaired. We must also heal the invisible wounds left by disaster. Addressing trauma is essential to restoring families, strengthening communities and preventing violence from taking root in the aftermath of crisis.”