ORANJESTAD – According to Statia’s Island Governor Alida Francis, the New Year 2025 is off to a promising start. Starting January 1st, the Social Support and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Decree BES is in effect on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. 

This decree marks a significant step towards building a safer and more caring communities, providing better support to residents and care professionals in preventing and addressing domestic violence and child abuse (DVCA).

“In October 2023 I had the privilege to co-sign an MOU wherein partners in the Caribbean and Dutch parts of the Kingdom agreed, during the NO MAS, NO MORE conference on Curaçao, to collaborate on tackling domestic violence and child abuse.

Today I am overjoyed to see this is finally going into effect. This is what I call progress”, according to Francis. 

Enforcement

Francis adds that while she knows the Code will not immediately stop all the abuse, there are finally some enforcement instruments in place to protect the island’s women and children.