Sexual assault survivor champions national trauma healing effort 

At three, Shanecia Stewart was sexually abused by a neighbour in the tenement yard where she lived with her parents - a profound breach of trust. Fourteen years later, she would, for the first time, escape a pattern of abuse involving multiple perpetrators, including her father, only to find herself on a destructive path shaped by trauma.

Now a counsellor, pastor, and author, a liberated Stewart is set to host Destitute. Redeemed. Restored: The Catalyst Summit, with the aim of restoring others. The event, a strategic intervention for societal change, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 6  at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

“We have an epidemic of sexual molestation and sexual assault in Jamaica. There are scores of women, girls, and boys who have been suffering and suffering in silence. When I eventually shared about the abuse from my dad with my grandmother, she simply dismissed it as lies against her son. Unfortunately, this experience is not unique, and the hush on sexual abuse is often perpetuated because of it,” Stewart said.

“Men, especially,” she continued, “hardly ever speak up because of the shame and stigma, even fear. More often than not, male sexual assault is underreported, leaving men to endure unhealed trauma and likely negatively impacting society through violence. This is why I advocate. Whether young, old, male, or female, the Catalyst Summit is the place for all who have faced sexual assault, desiring to overcome or wanting to help a victim.”

Although childhood sexual assault is more prevalent in low-income communities, the issue is spread across all social classes, resulting in thousands of cases being reported annually. The Jamaica Violence against Children and Youth Survey, released in 2024, found that one in four females and one in 10 males experienced sexual violence in childhood.

Taking the stage to address subjects such as confronting sexual abuse, trauma-informed care, financial empowerment, the long-term effects of sexual abuse, and justice are CEO of Bellevue Hospital Suzette Buchanan; United Nations Peace Ambassador Natassia Wright; Renate McDonald, CEO of  Learn Grow Invest; Kimberly O’Meally-Rock, attorney-at-law; and trauma specialist Chantaeu Munroe. Executives from the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force will also be contributing to the discourse, which Stewart, a trained child-protection specialist, will lead.

“The Catalyst Summit stands on three pillars: national healing and restoration, social advocacy, and community mobilisation. It is more than conversation, and it’s not merely another event on the calendar,” Stewart said. 

She added: “Through critical conversations and bringing visibility to issues that impact national development, I am demanding change and facilitating restoration for the countless Jamaicans who have not yet found the strength and courage to overcome on their own.”

A percentage of proceeds from the summit will go to Eve for Life Jamaica, a non-profit organisation focused on supporting women and girls affected by sexual and gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS.

Stewart recounted how encountering God was integral to her redemption.

“In 2016, I lost both parents. I was a suicidal, bitter, single mother, and I hated God. I honestly hated Him, but He met me in my mess anyway. I became honest about the hurt, disappointment, distrust, among other negative emotions, and that’s where my redemption started. It’s with divine empowerment that I’m able to lead this mission. I’m confident that faith intertwined with the right actions and resources can bring positive outcomes,” Stewart.

Also playing key roles at the summit are worship leaders Arianna Whyte-Burton and Akilah Griffiths-Shannon, joined by Bishop Tyrone Whyte and Prophet David Shaw, tapped to provide spiritual support to attendees.

Caption: Pastor Shanecia Stewart. Contributed