Ashieka Hutchinson comm stu…

Name: Ashieka Hutchinson

Subject: Communication Studies

Candidate #: 1001060919
Center #:100106

Year: 2024
Theme: Crime and Violence
Topic: Grievance Is The Major Contributing Factor To Sexual Violence Against Children.

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Preface 4

Reflective Piece 5
Analytical Essay 8

Bibliography 10

Introduction
Sexual violence against children is a harrowing reality that continues to plague societies
worldwide, leaving a devastating impact on victims and their communities. Amidst efforts to understand
and combat this heinous crime, an emerging consensus highlights the critical role of grievance as a major
contributing factor. Grievance, stemming from various sources such as social, economic, and

interpersonal disparities, manifests in myriad forms and exacerbates vulnerabilities that predispose
children to exploitation and abuse. The topic “ Grievance Is The Major Contributing Factor To Sexual

Violence Against Children” delves into the intricate dynamics between grievance and sexual violence
against children, exploring how unresolved grievances fuel cycles of victimization and perpetration. The

purpose of this portfolio is to illustrate to the audience about factors that may lead to sexual violence in
children.

The portfolio consists of mainly three sections: Exposition, Reflection and Analysis. In the

expository section of the portfolio extensive research was carried out to acquire the necessary sources,
this section was presented as an oral presentation specifically a speech which assessed how personal

grievance may lead to sexually violent acts in an attempt to better understand the Jamelia Cole tragedy.
The researcher also discussed the challenges faced in investigating the issues at hand and an analysis of

the context and medium on the reliability and validity of the information.

The portfolio also includes an original piece, written in the prose type, in the form of a narrative. The
portfolio also consists of a preface which gives an analysis of the original short story entitled

“Unanswered Echoes”. The preface also looks at the intended audience, and the basis for selecting them.
There is also an analysis that evaluates the original narrative, dialectical variations and communicative

behaviours.

Personally the contents of the portfolio interest the researcher because of personal family
experiences. The researcher wishes to inform the readers that such an issue is on the rise. Academically

the portfolio satisfies the criteria of the internal assessment of the communication studies course. The
topic was also selected because of the researchers concerned pertaining to adolescent victims of sexual
violence.

Preface
The semi-fictional story “Unanswered Echoes” focuses on the life of Jamelia Cole who was
ripped from this earth too early by unwanted and harmful sexual violence, set against the backdrop of the

serene community of Cotton Tree in Trelawny, Jamaica. This narrative explores the profound impact of
Jamelia's life and the unanswered questions surrounding her untimely demise.

The purpose of the story is to illustrate to the reader the detrimental effects of sexually violent

acts that can destroy families and cause ripples in communities. The researcher also aimed to inform the
intended audience of such a tragic incident in the country.

The target audience for this piece is adolescents to adults both male and female, those of the government
and protective forces. The target audience was chosen to make them aware of the criminal acts and

unjust outcomes families face and at that age, they would be better able to understand.

The reflective piece entitled “Unanswered Echoes” could be presented verbally to an audience,
in a seminar or in the form of a movie. There are a number of reasons why the researcher chose this

method; first, it provides a non-verbal, as well as a verbal message using visual and auditory means to
create an advantage. Also it would be more entertaining as opposed to printed documents or just a

speech. It also serves to inform and enlighten the audience. A diversity of technological devices could be

incorporated to augment the presentation, as well as the message being conveyed. In addition, a

microphone will be used to enhance and project the voice of a speaker in order to provide clarity and
volume. The researcher anticipates that the narrative will not only be informative but also impactful to its

audience.

Reflective Piece
“Unanswered Echoes”
 “Numbers 35:16, If anyone strikes someone a fatal blow with an iron object, that person is a

murderer; the murderer is to be put to death. Or if anyone is holding a stone and strikes someone a fatal
blow with it, that person is a murderer; the murderer is to be put to death”, were words said by Jamelia’s

sisters at her funeral.

Tears welled in the eyes of the mourners, their hearts heavy with grief for Jamelia. Among them sat

Kayla, her gaze fixed on the ground, her thoughts weighed down by memories of that tragic night.

Flashbacks of the eve of Independence Day flickered through Kayla's mind like fragments of a
nightmare. She remembered the excitement in Jamelia's voice as they made plans to watch the parade

together.

In the serene community of Cotton Tree, nestled in the heart of Trelawny, Jamaica, there lived

a vibrant soul named Jamelia Cole. Because of her infectious laughter and warm smile, Jamelia was the

heartbeat of her family, a beacon of light, a bundle of joy, always dancing; that's who most people got to

know. Big dreams inspired by that of her older sister always made a difference and the aspiration of
becoming a great soldier was ever so clear if you knew her. Jamelia's passion for cooking was as fiery as

the Jamaican sun, her culinary creations a fusion of traditional flavours and innovative twists.

"It ago festive, Kayla. Wi haffi guh," Jamelia had said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Yeah, it nah miss me," Kayla replied, returning Jamelia's smile.

“Cum yah April, yuh nuh want luk good to sista gyal,” Jem said laughing as she called her younger
sister.

“ Me a cum,” screamed April as she ran out of the house,so glad to be included.

“Tun one piece a hot gyal essi,”

“ A mi fi tell yuh Kayla,” Jem said as she chose a glossy pink nail polish for her sister.

As they painted each other’s nails, there was nothing but vibes all around as the

music played giving life to the community.

It’s 5 pm now, Mom’s home from work hugs are given,

“Mi luv yuh inuh mi gyal,”

“ Luv yuh to mummy,” Jem said

Unbeknownst to Jem and her family, this would be the last time they would see Jem alive, because
amidst the revelry, danger lurked in the shadows,a predator watched from afar, waiting for the perfect

moment to strike.

***

The earth-shattering screams could be heard throughout the community as she was pulled from the

safety of her home to a disturbing demise. The same people that she stayed so far away from took her life
away at age 15. Her screams woke 9-year-old April who even though she was frightened called the

necessary people for help as she laid beside her almost lifeless mother listening to the screams of her

sister and cousin.

Fear gripped Kayla's heart as she remembered the terror in Jamelia's eyes, the desperate struggle as they

fought for their lives.

"Help!" Jamelia screamed, her voice filled with panic as she was dragged from the house and beaten

repeatedly.

Kayla's screams echoed through the night as she ran trying to raise an alarm, helpless unable to save her

best friend.

The memories haunted Kayla long after the attack, leaving behind
unanswered echoes of the tragedy that had torn their lives apart.

At the funeral, Kayla remained silent, her grief too heavy to bear. As her sister’s finished speaking, she

felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Ms. Dawson standing beside her, her eyes filled with

sorrow.

"We'll get through this together, Kayla," Ms. Dawson said softly, her voice choked with emotion.
But despite her words of comfort, Kayla couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at her insides.

She had survived while Jamelia had been taken from them, leaving behind a void that could never be

filled.
In the days that followed, Kayla struggled to come to terms with what had happened, haunted by the

unanswered echoes of that tragic night. She knew that justice would never bring Jamelia back, but she
couldn't rest until the person responsible was held accountable for their actions

As the sun set over the rolling hills of Trelawny, casting a golden glow over the verdant landscape,

Jamelia's spirit danced on the gentle breeze, her laughter echoing in the hearts of those who loved her.

Though her physical presence may have been lost, her memory lived on, a testament to the enduring

power of love, community, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Through the pain of loss, Cotton Tree stood united, drawing strength from the bonds of friendship,

family, and shared culture. As the stars twinkled overhead, illuminating the night sky with their celestial

light, the community remained hopeful that answers would soon be found, bringing closure to the

unanswered echoes of Jamelia's tragic loss.

Long Live My Nubian Queen!!

Analytical Essay
The narrative piece “Unanswered Echoes” recounts the events that led to the loss of the life of a
vibrant teen. The writer deftly employs a combination of register, dialectical variation and

communicative behaviour and attitudes to language.

However,for this analysis, only two will be discussed; namely, dialectical variations and language
registers. Language register is a type of linguistic variation, a concept that refers to the many ways the

same ideas can be articulated. Linguists defined five main types of language register: frozen, formal,
consultative, casual, and intimate. Examples of registers found in the reflective piece are: Frozen

register found in the beginning of the reflective piece where the recitation of scripture serves as a
poignant example. During Jamelia's funeral, her sisters quote "Numbers 35:16" with solemnity and
reverence, adhering to established conventions of religious discourse. This formal language imbues the

scene with a sense of gravity, emphasising the significance of the moment and highlighting the cultural
importance of faith.

Moving to the formal level, descriptive passages provide structured and composed narration.
Descriptions such as "As the sun set over the rolling hills of Trelawny" convey a vivid sense of time and
place with clarity and precision. These formal elements contribute to the narrative's coherence and

provide a foundation for the storytelling, grounding the reader in the setting and atmosphere of the story.
Additionally, dialogue between characters fluctuates between consultative and casual registers, reflecting

interpersonal dynamics and cultural norms. When offering comfort to Kayla, Ms. Dawson's words are
tender and supportive, demonstrating a consultative level of formality. Meanwhile, interactions among
family members and friends feature casual language, such as Mom's affectionate expression, "Mi luv yuh

inuh mi gyal," and Kayla's response, "Yeah, it nah miss me." These moments of intimacy and familiarity
add depth to the characters and evoke a sense of authenticity.

Dialectical variations enrich the narrative, providing insight into the cultural heritage and
linguistic diversity of Jamaica. Phrases like "Cum yah April'' and "Mi luv yuh inuh mi gyal" showcase
elements of Jamaican Patois, infusing the dialogue with authenticity and depth. These dialectical nuances

not only enhance the realism of the characters but also deepen the reader's immersion in the cultural
landscape of Cotton Tree, Trelawny.

Through the skillful integration of dialectical variations and levels of formality, "Unanswered Echoes"
offers a nuanced portrayal of Jamaican language and culture. By embracing the unique speech patterns
and linguistic heritage of the characters, the narrative creates a vibrant and authentic depiction of

community life, inviting readers to explore the complexities of Jamaican identity through the lens of
language.

Bibliography
Websites
Grievance fueled sexual violence (March 2023)
https://www.merriam-
webster.com/thesaurus/grievance#:~:text=noun,air%20your%20grievances%20against%20him

15-y-o-girl dies,mother hospitalised after home invasion (August 2023)

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20230808/15-y-o-girl-dies-mother-cousin-hospitalised-
after-trelawny-assault