WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao will receive a reporting code as part of the integrated approach of the Curaçao government against child abuse and domestic violence. This is reported by the Ministry of Social Development (SOAW).
In addition to raising awareness about positive parenting styles and setting up a new hotline, the government believes that the protection code is an important action to identify and stop child abuse and domestic violence in a constructive manner.
The code will apply to all professional groups in Curaçao in the fields of welfare, education, health and justice. It contains clear agreements on how professionals can identify child abuse and relational violence and what steps professionals must take to prevent or stop an unsafe situation.
The reporting code must be fully implemented and operational next April. All professionals who work directly with children and adults, such as doctors, nurses, teachers and social workers, must know the reporting code and apply it effectively in practice.
An important precondition is the realization of legislation in this area. The Curaçao government will receive advice from a legislative lawyer from UNICEF Netherlands.
There will be a special website about the implementation of the reporting code. This website functions as a platform for professionals explaining how the code works and what professionals should do if they suspect child abuse and/or relational violence in their practice.