As a member of Parliament’s Committee on Social Affairs, Parliamentarian Shailiny Tromp-Lee participated in a working visit to the Foundation Against Relational Violence (FCVR). The visit focused on the presentation of FCVR’s Strategic Plan 2025–2027, the foundation’s financial needs and other challenges, as well as the broader challenges that relational violence poses to the community. A tour of the facilities was also conducted.
During the meeting, FCVR presented its work and experiences, highlighting the urgency surrounding the prevention, guidance, and care of victims of abuse. It was emphasized that relational violence is a serious social issue that requires a strategic, multidisciplinary approach based on shared commitment between government, institutions, and society.
Parliamentarian Tromp-Lee expressed her great appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the FCVR team and emphasized that the visit provided parliamentarians with direct insight into the expertise and the real need for increased financial support. According to Tromp-Lee, this is essential for Parliament to make better-informed decisions when allocating public funds.
She pointed out that during the treatment of Aruba’s 2025 national budget, the Foundation was not provided with the necessary structural financial solution and support it requires.
According to Tromp-Lee, in order to continue building a safer and more resilient Aruba, investments must be made in prevention and in institutions that work daily with the reality of relational violence. FCVR plays an indispensable role in this regard.
During the budget process, the MEP parliamentary faction submitted a motion to cover FCVR’s additional financial needs, estimated at 960,000 florins, in order to strengthen its human and operational capacity. Unfortunately, the motion did not receive support from the AVP and Futuro factions in Parliament, despite the availability of financial resources within the national budget for 2025.
In the view of Parliamentarian Tromp-Lee, Parliament still has both the responsibility and the opportunity to reconsider the decisions taken and to urge the government to allocate additional public funds to help combat a major issue in Aruba that is often not visible, but has a profound impact on people, families, and the community as a whole.
As a member of the Committee on Social Affairs, Parliamentarian Tromp-Lee expressed her gratitude to FCVR’s Director, Ms. Esther Broeksema, Chair of the Board Ms. Audrey Croes, and Program Manager Ms. Cinthya Quant for their presentation, as well as for their time, dedication, and commitment to this important cause. She emphasized the significant and positive developments she has observed in the Foundation over recent years and noted that its strong presence is clearly felt within the community.
In conclusion, according to Tromp-Lee, the key word is priority. As Parliament, actions must demonstrate that this cause is treated as a priority, and there must be a continued commitment to being the voice of survivors and to working tirelessly toward a safer Aruba for everyone.