WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has joined international efforts to raise awareness and prevent child abuse with the launch of the “Blue Month” campaign in April, under the slogan “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.”
The initiative is led by the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), through its Family and Youth Department, in collaboration with Fundashon Bos di Hubentut. The campaign forms part of a globally recognized movement aimed at promoting awareness and prevention of child abuse.
According to the ministry, child abuse remains a daily reality on the island, with many cases going unreported. Authorities say they are working intensively to address the issue, in line with international conventions on children’s rights.
One of the key measures already in place is the Protection Code, designed to help identify abuse and ensure that children receive the support they need. In 2025, a total of 83 supervisors were trained to monitor and assist professionals in recognizing and reporting cases of abuse.
With the launch of Blue Month, a series of activities has been organized to engage children, parents, professionals, and the wider community in recognizing and responding to signs of abuse.
The campaign began with an official press conference, where an educational video titled “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” was presented. Throughout the month, eight awareness videos will be broadcast across various media platforms in Curaçao.
A “Myth and Reality” campaign will also run, featuring videos that challenge common misconceptions about child abuse and provide accurate information. These will be shared on social media and screened at local cinemas.
Between April 20 and 24, a school caravan will visit 29 schools across the island, using music and dance to engage students and teachers directly. Minister Americka-Francisca is scheduled to attend the official opening of this activity at Sta. Clara School on April 21.
In addition, a session for professionals working with children will take place on April 22. The meeting will focus on discussing cases, sharing experiences, and developing recommendations to strengthen cooperation and intervention strategies.
SOAW is calling on the community to actively participate in the campaign, share awareness materials, and help protect children. Authorities emphasize that collective action is essential to making a lasting difference.