WILLEMSTAD - The number of domestic violence cases in Curaçao has risen, according to a report by the Council for Law Enforcement (RvR), with figures provided by the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) now included in the State of Law Enforcement in Curaçao report.
Domestic violence, as noted by the council, can lead to severe consequences for both victims and perpetrators. The RvR highlighted potential impacts on victims, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and issues with self-esteem and self-worth.
The council did note a positive development with a 60.7 percent increase in reports of domestic violence in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year, police made a total of 164 arrests related to domestic violence.
The report also addressed traffic accidents. In 2023, sixteen fatal traffic accidents occurred, with speeding identified as the primary cause. Other contributing factors included driving on the wrong side of the road, failing to yield, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, illness, and crossing unsafely.
Traffic violations remain the most common offenses, with high occurrences of driving without a valid license, driving with an expired inspection certificate, failing to pay vehicle taxes, driving uninsured, and not wearing a seatbelt.