Kingdom-wide approach to domestic violence: NMNM working group convenes on Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius
SINT EUSTATIUS – From 8 to 12 June 2026, members of the No Mas No More (NMNM) working group gathered on Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius for their annual working conference. The conference brought together representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and the Dutch ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), Education, Culture and Science (OCW), and Justice and Security (JenV). The aim was to strengthen cooperation in the fight against domestic violence and child abuse.
During the week, working group members delved into topics such as how the islands can prepare for a possible ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the Kingdom, temporary restraining orders, inter-island cooperation in sheltering victims, and early identification of risk factors related to gender-based violence. In addition, the professionals worked on agreements for a shared system to improve data registration across all islands.
They visited various organisations on Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius, including local institutions such as a women’s shelter, the Victim Support Service and the Guardianship Council, to learn more about local initiatives. There was also a special exchange between the NMNM working group and the Multidisciplinary Consultation (MDO) of Sint Eustatius, providing insight into how local organisations collaborate and coordinate cases.
For Carmen Grefte (chair of NMNM) and Ereina Hunt-Gorden (representative of Sint Eustatius), the conference underscored the importance of cooperation between professionals in achieving a Kingdom-wide approach to domestic violence and child abuse. "Cooperation between the islands is not optional, it is necessary", said chair Carmen Grefte.
About No Mas No More
No Mas No More is a Kingdom-wide working group that promotes cooperation between the six Caribbean islands and the Netherlands to prevent and address domestic violence and child abuse.
