WILLEMSTAD – Relationship-related violence continued to be a major concern for police and justice authorities on Curaçao in 2025. A total of 141 reports of domestic and partner violence were registered during the year. While this represents a slight decrease compared to 2024, the figures remain high and underscore that relationship violence is a structural issue within Curaçaoan society. This is evident from the latest crime statistics released by the Curaçao Police Force.
The data show that reports of relationship violence have remained consistently elevated over several years. Although peaks were recorded around 2020 and again in 2023, and a modest decline has followed, there is no clear indication of a sustained downward trend. In 2025, the number of reports remained almost unchanged compared to the previous year, suggesting that violence within families and intimate relationships continues to occur at a steady rate.
In addition to the reports, police recorded 167 arrests in cases related to relationship violence in 2025. This number is lower than in 2023 and 2024, when 289 and 227 arrests were made respectively. According to authorities, the decrease could indicate fewer acute escalations, but it may also reflect changes in reporting behavior, case follow-up, or the nature of the incidents themselves.
Monthly figures show that relationship violence occurs throughout the year. Certain months, including February, March and October, recorded relatively higher numbers of cases, but the overall pattern points to a form of violence that is continuously present rather than limited to specific periods or circumstances.
Police stress that relationship violence often remains hidden and that the number of registered cases likely represents only part of the reality. Victims do not always file reports due to fear, emotional or financial dependency, or feelings of shame. At the same time, the data highlight that relationship violence places a significant burden on police capacity and social support services.
The Ministry of Justice has reiterated that tackling relationship violence remains a key priority within Curaçao’s broader security and prevention strategy. Alongside law enforcement efforts, authorities are focusing on early detection, closer cooperation with social and care institutions, and raising public awareness to address the problem more effectively.
