A study titled “De Schaduwkant van Aruba” (“The Dark Side of Aruba”), conducted by researcher Henk Ferwerda, highlights several family and social factors that may contribute to youth crime in Aruba. The report raises concerns about growing social challenges, including violence against minors, neglect, and unstable home environments.
When Amelin Flanegin was appointed Attorney General, she expressed concern about rising crime among young people and called for further research. She also stressed the need for a stronger, multidisciplinary approach to address troubling social trends affecting the island.
According to the report, some children begin showing criminal behavior as early as age 10. Researchers link this to a combination of social pressures, including poverty, lack of supervision, and limited access to affordable childcare. In many cases, single parents, especially mothers, work multiple jobs to cover basic living expenses, leaving less time for supervision at home.
Family structure plays major role
The report identifies family circumstances as one of the most important risk factors connected to problematic behavior among young people. Research consistently points to household issues such as domestic violence, poverty, divorce, and growing up in single-parent families as major contributors.
Family life in Aruba has changed significantly due to tourism growth, economic development, and migration. The expansion of the tourism sector created labor shortages, many of which have been filled by Aruban women and female migrant workers. At the same time, rising living costs have pushed more women into the workforce.
As women gained greater financial independence, family dynamics also changed. This increased independence has given more women the ability to leave unhealthy or unhappy relationships. As a result, divorce rates have risen sharply since the 1990s, leading to a growing number of single-mother households.
Research shows that parental separation can affect children in several ways. Many children from divorced families lose regular contact with their fathers, even though father involvement is often linked to better emotional health, improved school performance, and greater stability at home.
Between 2010 and 2020, the share of households led by single mothers increased from 17% to 30%. These households often face lower incomes, contributing to higher levels of poverty among children.
In 2010, nearly one in four children living in single-mother households was below the poverty line. Children in these homes are also more likely to experience limited supervision or neglect, especially when parents work long hours or multiple jobs.
Similar challenges also affect two-parent households, where both parents may work long hours to keep up with rising costs. In many cases, children spend long periods at home alone because affordable childcare is unavailable.
Around 17.4% of children in Aruba report having experienced some form of neglect. According to the study, poverty and neglect, especially in single-parent households, are strong predictors of youth criminal behavior.
Domestic violence remains serious concern
Domestic violence is another major issue affecting families in Aruba. The report notes that some women leave relationships because of abuse, which has contributed to the rise in single-mother households.
As women have become more financially independent, domestic violence has become more visible, with some partners struggling to adapt to changing relationship dynamics. Reports suggest the problem has worsened in recent years.
Child abuse remains another major concern. A study involving 895 secondary school students in Aruba found that 78% reported experiencing some form of abuse during childhood.
Physical abuse was the most commonly reported form, but emotional abuse and severe neglect were also widespread. Sexual abuse was reported less often, but still remains a serious issue.
The report concludes that domestic violence is one of the strongest predictors of future violent or criminal behavior among young people, underscoring the need for early intervention and stronger family support systems.
