WILLEMSTAD – A group of 22 professionals in Curaçao has been officially certified as “Supervisors of the Kódigo di Protekshon” — the island’s Protection Code for identifying and addressing child abuse and domestic violence. With this new cohort, Curaçao now counts a total of 71 certified supervisors.
This initiative is part of the National Plan against Child Abuse and Domestic Violence and is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW).
The Kódigo di Protekshon provides a structured five-step action plan to help professionals respond consistently and effectively to suspected cases of abuse or violence. Within each participating organization, the trained supervisor serves as the main point of contact, advising colleagues and management on the necessary follow-up steps and ensuring professional care for victims.
A Multi-Ministerial Effort
The project represents a collaborative effort between four key ministries: Justice; Health, Environment and Nature; Education, Science and Culture; and SOAW. The latter is charged with executing the program. Various organizations have been invited to nominate staff for the training, with the long-term goal of certifying over 100 supervisors.
Training and Certification
The certification program consisted of an intensive eight-week training. Topics included legal frameworks, risk factors, intergenerational aggression, and how to report incidents based on factual evidence. Participants were also introduced to the role of ProtehaMi—a government institution that will soon be legally established as the official reporting center for cases of abuse and violence.
To earn certification, each participant was required to create an action plan and internal protocol tailored to their organization. This plan outlines how the Protection Code will be implemented and who will be responsible for various parts of the process.
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of SOAW plans to establish a knowledge and expertise center in the near future to continue supporting professionals and supervisors with up-to-date information and guidance. The ministry emphasizes that cross-ministerial and organizational collaboration is essential to better protect victims and promote a safe and positive environment for children and families across the island.
This certification marks another important step in strengthening Curaçao’s social safety net and ensuring that frontline professionals are equipped to act decisively and compassionately in the face of abuse.
