Research: Verbal abuse and clip around the ear common in Caribbean Netherlands families
People from the Dutch islands of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius say that violence (mainly verbal) is fairly common in families. This is according to research by Leiden University, the University of Curaçao and UNICEF Netherlands. The researchers make recommendations for preventing such violence over the next few years.
There have been concerns about domestic violence and child abuse in the Dutch Netherlands for some time. ‘The United Nations has told the Netherlands several times that more attention must be paid to this’, says Professor of Children’s Rights Ton Liefaard. The research, commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, means there is now clear information about how common the islands’ residents believe these forms of violence to be.
‘The results are a baseline assessment that can be used to evaluate measures taken over the next few years’, says Judi Mesman, Professor of the Interdisciplinary Study of Societal Challenges. The research fits in with the Netherlands’ ambition to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing domestic violence in the Caribbean Netherlands.
Hitting children
The research shows that domestic violence in the form of verbal abuse is very common on the islands. Physical abuse is less common but concerning nonetheless, particularly in partner relationships. Child maltreatment in the form of verbal abuse or hitting is considered normal by many people and it is a culturally accepted form of discipline to hit children. Parenting is often very authoritarian, giving children little room to express their opinions. However, the researchers did see clear signs that parenting norms are changing and support for non-violent alternatives is increasing. This would tie in with international treaties on children’s and women’s rights.
Breeding ground for violence
Poverty and stress are a breeding ground for domestic violence, Mesman explains. ‘Families on the Caribbean islands have difficulty keeping their heads above water. The cost of living is high, while wages are low. The risk of domestic violence increases when many stress factors are at play in families, such as poverty.’
Strong sense of community
The researchers recommend harnessing the strong island communities to combat violence. ‘We see a strong sense of community and close family ties on the islands’, says Liefaard. People can fall back on their families for help. ‘Our advice is to maintain those positive experiences while looking at how to help family members find non-violent forms of communication, also for between partners and between parents and their parents.’
In line with international treaties, non-violent parenting and family communication should become the norm, say the researchers. This can be achieved by harnessing the cultural shifts we are already seeing. This change could be amplified in awareness-raising campaigns and should be repeated and reinforced in all relevant policymaking. The researchers also advise investing in education on children’s rights, women’s rights, equality, gender equality and social justice. Support services should be made more accessible, and more attention paid to confidentiality and continuity, both of which suffer in small communities with a lot of migration.
Financial health
The researchers also recommend fighting poverty. ‘Prices in the supermarkets there are really high, higher than in the Netherlands, and people often find it difficult to make ends meet, even if they have multiple jobs’, says Mesman. As a result, parents do not have enough time for their children, which creates tension in the family. Investing in the islands’ financial health could help prevent violence. The researchers call for more attention to be paid to training opportunities and employment as well as to teaching budgeting skills. The social minimum on the islands was recently increased and the researchers advise monitoring the effect.
Three different islands
The recommendations were made ‘with an eye to the specific context of the islands’, Liefaard stresses. ‘Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius are three different islands with three different contexts. So you should avoid one-size-fits-all approaches, especially ones taking a Dutch perspective.’
‘You need to start with the different communities’, says Mesman. ‘And everyone needs a seat at the table, not just professionals but also mothers, fathers, children, grandparents and people with a migrant background.
The research findings are available for each island, with specific recommendations for preventing domestic violence and child abuse. The research was presented to The House of Representatives on 4 October.
Text: Tom Janssen
Photo: Pixabay