Kralendijk- Victims or survivors of violence in Caribbean Netherlands will, in the near future, be able to claim a financial compensation. This was announced this morning by Justic Minister Ard van der Steur during his working visit to Bonaire. “This is an important step to further improve the position of victims in the Caribbean Netherlands” according to the minister. Van der Steur will amend the law in order to make this expansion possible. He expects that the law will come into force during 2018.

“Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven” has been established to provide financial compensation to victims and survivors of violent crimes that have suffered serious physical or psychological injuries. The perpetrator remains primarily responsible for the compensation of the damage. However, if the victim fails to obtain compensation for the damages caused by the offender, a victim or survivor can turn to the Fund. This arrangement has so far only been implemented in the Netherlands.