Director of Bureau Sostenemi emphasizes the importance of listening to children.

Since 2019, Bureau Sostenemi has been the central point, also known as the Advice and Reporting Center for Child Abuse (AMK), for reporting child abuse. During a recent press conference, Mrs. Magaly Maduro, Director of Bureau Sostenemi, expressed her great satisfaction with the appointment of April as the month against child abuse, with a greater focus on this issue.
 
Bureau Sostenemi handles a small part of this problem, particularly emotional abuse, but also emotional neglect, which is one of the reasons why children become vulnerable to sexual abuse. According to statistics from Bureau Sostenemi, there are approximately 400 cases annually, but not all of them involve abuse or sexual abuse. It is noteworthy that child abuse is prevalent in Aruba and is considered normal by many.
 
In 2023, Bureau Sostenemi received reinforcements from two social workers, which has somewhat eased their workload. According to the director, in 99% of sexual abuse cases, the perpetrator is a person very closely related to the child, and the parents of the child have the duty and responsibility to deal with it. 

It is essential to believe in the child. If a child indicates that they do not want to have contact with an individual, or do not want to be seen by this individual, or do not want to be near them, it must be taken seriously. The child should be listened to, and authorities must investigate further.
   
These figures are high not only in Aruba but also worldwide. The hope is to reduce the high number of cases of child abuse in Aruba, and if every person in Aruba contributes and does their part, we can help combat child abuse in general. 

Call toll-free: 588 1010 or email at sostenemi@aruba.gov.aw to report a case of child abuse or for advice.