Public Entities and Ministries sign a sustainable approach to combating violence against women, domestic violence, and child abuse
Yesterday, the public entities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, and the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), Justice and Security (JenV), Education, Culture and Science (OCW), Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), and the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) signed the joint Administrative Agreement "Preventing and Combating Violence against Women, Domestic Violence, and Child Abuse 2026–2029." With this agreement, the islands and the Dutch government are taking the next step in protecting women, children, and families in the Caribbean Netherlands.
Joint Commitment
All parties involved are thus committed to a safe and equal society, in which there is no place for violence. The primary goal of the administrative agreement is to further strengthen prevention, detection, interventions, and support services, and to ensure greater coherence between the actions of the public entities and ministries. This includes increased and more efficient collaboration between support organizations, the establishment of a knowledge center for professionals, and the development of training courses for citizens and professionals. Leiden University, in collaboration with the public entities and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), is also launching a research study on sexual violence and sexually inappropriate behavior.
State Secretary Tielen (Youth, Prevention and Sport): “I want children and women to be safe and able to progress in life in good health: physically, mentally, and socially. Violence against women, domestic violence, and child abuse affect not only the victims but society as a whole. Dropping out of school or work, trauma, and the strain on informal caregivers are all dire consequences of this type of violence. We can only tackle this complex problem together — with the police and the judiciary, healthcare providers, the education sector, and every citizen who cares about a safe and healthy society. I am pleased with the agreement that has now been reached. Let us do everything we can to ensure the safety of children, young people, and women. Their future is our future.”
Working together for a safe home and a safe society
Important steps have already been taken on the islands in recent years. For example, advice and reporting centers for domestic violence and child abuse have been established, women's shelters are available, and professionals are receiving training to better recognize signs of violence. Awareness campaigns have also been launched to make violence a topic of discussion. The new administrative agreement further develops this approach. It contributes to the next step towards enabling ratification of the Istanbul Convention in the Caribbean Netherlands. This Council of Europe convention concerns preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.