In recent years, Aruba has seen a troubling rise in reported sexual offenses. Between 2020 and 2023, this issue has taken center stage for both authorities and the community at large. What lies behind these alarming statistics? What measures is Aruba taking to combat this crime? And how does misogyny play a role in perpetuating the cycle of abuse?

To understand the current situation, we must look back to 2020.

According to a report published by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Aruba (Ministerio Publico Aruba), That year, Aruba, like the rest of the world, was battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and the nation had imposed a curfew. Along with these restrictions, 72 cases of sexual offenses were reported, including incidents involving minors. For a small community like Aruba, these numbers were alarmingly high. The curfew intensified the issue, as many victims were forced to remain in the same house as their abusers.

In 2021 and 2022, a total of 99 cases were registered, with 60 involving minors. Though the number of cases slightly decreased in 2021 and again in 2022, 2023 saw a spike, with 117 reported cases—making sexual offenses one of the top 10 crimes in Aruba.

It’s important to recognize that these numbers only represent the cases that were officially reported.

Why the Increase?

Since 2021, there have been various collaborations between key partners in the judicial and social service sectors, such as the “Respeta Mi” Foundation, the “Against Relational Violence” Foundation, and other organizations. These efforts have raised awareness about sexual offenses, which may explain the rise in reported cases. However, the root cause of many of these crimes is tied to the deep-seated misogyny that still exists within Aruban society.

Misogyny, where men view themselves as superior to women, has long been ingrained in the culture. This mindset fosters an environment where sexual offenses, especially against women and children, are tolerated or ignored, allowing the cycle of abuse to continue.

When a victim, particularly a woman, comes forward, she is often blamed for “provoking” the aggressor. Meanwhile, the aggressor might express remorse in front of a judge and receive a light sentence, leaving the victim traumatized and disillusioned with the justice system.

Many women in Aruba face harassment in public, including inappropriate comments and catcalling—even school-aged girls. If a woman responds assertively, she is often seen as being at fault.

This misogynistic culture is rooted in the way boys and girls are raised. Boys are often taught to suppress emotions and pursue women aggressively to assert their masculinity. Girls, on the other hand, are raised to be “proper,” to dress conservatively, keep a tidy house, and care for children. These gender norms create an environment where sexual offenses become a way for men to assert dominance.

It’s also important to note that men and boys can be victims of sexual offenses too, but they are often too ashamed to come forward due to the same misogynistic culture.

If we do not raise our children differently, the harmful cycle of abuse will continue.

Breaking the Cycle

Aruba is becoming more aware of this issue, and as a result, more victims of sexual offenses are finding the courage to come forward and seek justice.

As a small community, we must acknowledge that misogyny is part of our culture, and we need to change this for the betterment of Aruba.

We must support and believe victims instead of blaming them.

We need the courage to have open conversations about these issues with our children and elders.

Only then can we begin to break this damaging cycle.