ORANJESTAD (AAN) – The Foundation Against Relational Violence (FCVR) organized a two-day seminar this week focused on raising awareness about coercive control in relationships.
According to FCVR director Esther Broeksema, the seminars were held in collaboration with Carolina Lopez Paz of Law Firm & Consultancy as part of the foundation’s ongoing awareness campaign.
The first seminar was specifically directed toward lawyers and professionals involved in family-related legal cases, including organizations such as Voogdijraad, Plan di Mayor, Bureau Sostene Mi, and FCVR staff.
A second seminar targeted professionals working in the social sector who regularly assist individuals experiencing unhealthy or controlling relationships.
Broeksema explained that coercive control involves toxic patterns of behavior where one partner dominates areas such as finances, services, and decision-making within the relationship.
She emphasized that many victims often fail to recognize they are experiencing abuse until professionals explain that the controlling behavior is unhealthy and unacceptable.
FCVR stated that the seminars aim to improve awareness, identify unhealthy relationship patterns, and promote healthier relationships within the Aruba community.
