Newsletter study on family relations and parenting in the Caribbean Netherlands
Dear reader,
We are pleased to share with you our newsletter about the recently completed study on family relations and parenting in the Caribbean Netherlands. You can read the newly published research reports in Dutch, English, and Papiamentu here. The recording of the recent webinar, where the research team shared valuable insights, can be accessed here.
If you require any further information after reading the newsletter or the reports, feel free to email us at info@nomasnomore.nl.
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Interview research team Family relationships, domestic violence and
child maltreatment in the Caribbean Netherlands
The research was commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport, VWS), Care and Youth Caribbean Netherlands. The purpose of the research was to conduct a baseline measurement around family and relationship issues. The request was to specifically focus on domestic violence and child abuse on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (the BES islands), with a separate report for each island. This request followed a situation analysis conducted by UNICEF in 2019. One of the conclusions of that analysis was the need for
more specific data collection on children, families and the safety of children within those families. Leiden University, UNICEF Netherlands and the University of Curaçao were commissioned to conduct this research.
Because this research was being conducted for the first time, the team of researchers also developed the methodology for it. The plan is to repeat this research in five years so that a future team can benefit from the same research methodology.
Research questions
The research team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, developed the research questions. The main question that the Ministry particularly wanted answered was, “What are the attitudes of residents of the Dutch Caribbean towards parenting, and in particular towards the use of violence in parenting or in family and partner relationships?” According to Dr. Merel Griffith-Lendering, independent consultant and researcher affiliated with the University of Curaçao, the ministry also wanted to know what definitions people use and what they experience as domestic violence. This was looked at more broadly in the context of family and household situations and partner relationships. The team also explored what people in the Caribbean Netherlands consider valuable in family relationships and where they see strengths and challenges for families. This looked at intergenerational relationships in families, such as the parent-child relationship,
partner relationships and the relationship between parents and grandparents. Professor Dr. Ton Liefaard, Professor of Children’s Rights at Leiden University, adds that this is particularly relevant in the context of the Caribbean community, where multiple generations are often involved in parenting and sometimes tensions can arise between generations.
The research team began with desk research to conduct a policy and legal analysis to focus the research parameters. Ton Liefaard explains that the research was not only to collect data, but also to support policy making and advise the Public Entities.
Challenges during data collection
A major challenge for the team was to conduct the research on three islands with different languages and cultures in a short period of time. While many interviews could be conducted online, the team wanted to ensure that participation was approachable and personal for the residents. For this reason, the data collectors went to the islands several times and worked with local people per island, “boots on the ground,” to ensure that people felt heard. Here, Drs. Johan Kruip, Child Rights Specialist and Researcher at UNICEF Netherlands, emphasizes the
importance of working with local communities and Public Bodies. He cites the input of focus groups on each island as crucial to gaining deeper insights and enriching the dialogue on the research findings. “This has fed us with valuable recommendations for future policy,” Kruip said.
Ton Liefaard emphasizes the importance of ownership by the islands themselves. “The research is meant to serve the islands and the data also belongs to the islands. The idea is that they can move forward with it themselves,” he says. The No Mas No More
Conference in late 2023 showed that this goal was certainly achieved. ‘People were happy that this research took place, because this data was previously nonexistent.’
Survey results and recommendations
The results of the study were reported on an island-by-island b asis, with specific recommendations for each island. Broadly sp eaking, the following overarching themes emerged:
Strong family relationships: Strong, warm family relationships are experienced on all three islands. This is seen as a major strength within the communities. The advice is to involve the community in finding solutions, especially since these strong relationships can provide an important basis for further development.
Financial challenges: Many families experience financial difficulties, which have a direct impact on family relationships and the well -being of children. The team recommends paying attention to financial education and how financial decisions affect family dynamics.
Non-violent society: Although there is a growing awareness t hat violence has no place in family relationships, it is not yet fully accepted in society. There is a need for policies that support parents in finding non-violent parenting methods.
Gender equality: The team recommends that mothers be recognized for their major role in parenting and that more attention be paid to the role of fathers in parenting. They suggest breaking down stereotypes around boy and girl parenting and ensuring that both parents can play an equal role.
Migration and changes in society: Due to migration and other developments, society on the islands is changing. Some residents are struggling to cope with these changes, which can affect cohesion within communities. This deserves attention when formulating policy.
Access to assistance: While much assistance is available, there are still challenges, such as the accessibility of services and their confidentiality. It is important to make these services more accessible and effective
The team also recommended that the survey be repeated in five years to measure progress. They made an emphatic call for the Netherlands to continue to support the islands, but with respect for the islands’ own wishes and needs.
Next steps
The research team proposes that the Public Entities meet and go through the three reports, and formulate concrete steps based on them. This may involve certain key figures, such as role models and experts by experience. Partners such as the Netherlands and UNICEF can also help develop interventions, such as positive education programs.
Involving young people in policymaking is also a key recommendation. Many young people often do not feel taken seriously, while their input is essential to developing policies that directly affect them. An important quote from a youth on one of the islands: “Children got a lot more rights in these days than back in the day. No matter what you tell parents, there is a certain way that they think children should be raised and they got that in their head.”
The research team consisted of
Prof. dr. Ton Liefaard is Professor of Children’s Rights and holds the UNICEF Chair in Children’s Rights at the Faculty of Law, Leiden University.
Prof. dr. Judi Mesman is University Professor of Social Responsibility and Impact, Leiden University.
Dr. Merel Griffith-Lendering is an independent consultant and researcher based in Curaçao, affiliated with the University of Curaçao.
Tamara Salsbach is Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Curaçao.
Drs. Johan Kruip is a specialist on children’s rights and research at UNICEF Netherlands.
Chartysse Simon en Kimberly Richards, students at the University of Curaçao.
Inge Gerrits, Leiden University.
Annemarie Marchena-Slot, University of Curaçao.
Elly Hellings, interviewer.
Erel Everitz, interviewer.
Naphtaly Boerleider, interviewer.
Josee Koning, De Taalscholver.
This research was commissioned by
Carmen Grefte en Jantine Homan of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.