The Safe Together Strong Together campaign is taking the next step with the start of an online public campaign on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Residents are informed via social media about domestic violence and child abuse, and about the support available on the islands.
With the campaign, Care and Youth Caribbean Netherlands (ZJCN), together with the Public Entities, wants to continue to stimulate the conversation about safety and inform residents about where they can go for advice and support on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Not only when people are dealing with a situation themselves, but also when someone is concerned about a family member, friend, neighbor or someone else in the environment.
An important part of the campaign are video testimonials from residents. In these videos, residents share their personal experiences with domestic violence or child abuse. By sharing their stories, they hope to create recognition and contribute to increasing the power of the community to support each other.
“Many people think that they first need to know for sure what is going on before they can ask for advice. That is not the case. If you are in doubt, call the advice point,” says René Clemencia, policy officer responsible for the implementation of the Protection Code in the Caribbean Netherlands. “When something doesn't feel right, when you are worried about someone or when you simply have questions, you can contact the advice point on your island. You don't have to figure it out alone.”
You can ask for advice anonymously
The campaign draws special attention to the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Advice Centers on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Everyone can come here for information, advice and support.
A conversation with an advice center can take place anonymously and does not automatically lead to a report or formal process. Especially when someone has doubts, questions or needs advice, a conversation can help to gain more clarity about a situation and possible next steps.
Follow the campaign
In the coming months, videos, stories and informative messages will appear on social media that will help residents better recognize signals of insecurity and know where they can go for support.
Follow the Rijksdienst Caribbean Netherlands page on Facebook and stay informed about the Safe Together Strong Together campaign.
Advice Centers for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Bonaire: Guiami
Tel: 0802 – 0802 available 24/7
Website: https://www.meldpuntguiami.com/
St. Eustatius: Statia Strong Support Hotline
Tel: +599 318 4837 available 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saba: Domestic Safety Point
Tel: +599 416 6936 available 24/7
In case of a direct threat or acute insecurity, always call the police immediately.