As of the 1 st of January 2025, the Social Support and Combating Domestic Violence
and Child Abuse Decree BES will apply to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. This
decree marks an important step towards a safe, caring society and provides
residents and care professionals with better support in preventing and addressing
domestic violence and child abuse (DVCA).
Social Support
The decree focuses on three key areas. First, social support will be better organized
to enable people to live independently at home for as long as possible. This includes
tools and resources such as household help and day care services, which are also
considered forms of social support.
Advice Center
Secondly, citizens and professionals who are concerned about or have indications of
domestic violence or child abuse can turn to a dedicated advice center as of 2025.
For professionals, a reporting right has been established, which allows them to file a
report under clear conditions if there is a suspicion of violence.
Protection Code for Professionals
Thirdly, from the 1 st of January 2025, organizations will be required to establish a
Protection Code. The code consists of five steps that professionals must follow when
identifying and reporting suspected cases of child abuse or domestic violence. The
Protection Code provides professionals with clarity on what is expected of them
when they suspect domestic violence or child abuse.
For the citizens of the islands, the Protection Code ensures that professionals act
carefully and first discuss their concerns with the client or the parents before filing a
report. The Protection Code is referred to in the different languages of the Caribbean
Netherlands as Kódigo di Protekshon in Papiamentu and Beschermingscode in Dutch.
Together, We Make the Caribbean Netherlands Safer
This decree represents a significant step towards a safe and caring society for all
residents of the Caribbean Netherlands.
