Standing with Victims. Building a Safer Community.
I am deeply grateful for the exceptional services and support provided by the Victim Support Services (VSS) in St. Maarten. As a survivor of domestic violence, I was trapped in a cycle of emotional and physical abuse by my ex-partner, who exploited his control over my immigration status to manipulate and coerce me. Despite the challenges, I found solace and empowerment through VSS.
The guidance and counselling were instrumental in helping me reclaim my power and understand my rights. Their expertise and advocacy enabled me to navigate the complexities of my situation, including securing my ability to sign for myself through immigration. Their collaboration with other organizations and provision of detailed records of my abuse were crucial in facilitating my escape from the Island.
When faced with further threats and coercion from my ex-partner, the case worker stepped in, demonstrating remarkable firmness and dedication. Her involvement helped to mitigate the situation, allowing me to safely leave the Island with my child.
Even after leaving St. Maarten, VSS continues to support me in my journey towards freedom and divorce. Their tireless efforts to gather documents, liaise with lawyers, and coordinate with authorities have been invaluable. I am particularly grateful for the legitimacy and transparency of their approach.
Thanks to VSS, particularly, I have gained the tools and confidence to assert myself and support other women in similar situations. Their work has empowered me to refuse abuse and seek a life free from threats and manipulation.
I wholeheartedly endorse VSS and their commitment to providing vital services to victims of domestic violence. Their dedication to justice, empowerment, and support is truly commendable, and I am forever grateful for their role in my journey towards healing and freedom.
After a traumatic incident of domestic violence, I got a phone call from VSS and they were a lifeline from the first call.
Calm, compassionate staff who moved quickly to put a safety plan in place and connect me with a trauma informed counsellor. The counselling was practical and grounding, giving me coping tools and confidence, while the team’s clear explanations of my options and steady follow through made an overwhelming situation manageable.
I felt supported, respected and genuinely empowered to rebuild. What stood out most was the combination of genuine, nonjudgmental care and relentless practical advocacy.
My assigned caseworker spoke my language and listened closely, helped me document incidents, walked me through steps, coordinated with the police and legal services, and even accompanied me to meetings so I didn’t have to handle conversations or situations alone. They kept me informed at every stage, and followed up regularly so I never felt abandoned.
Without VSS, I am pretty sure I wouldn’t be here today. They were always there for me. Days and nights, no matter what time, always ready to help!
A big thanks for all of you at VSS!
On February 6, 2025, I was confronted with the tragic death of my brother. I was contacted the next day by Victim Support, offering their assistance. At first, I was hesitant and did not meet with them as scheduled. I was so out of it and confused.
Two days after missing the appointment, I remember driving towards home and I was at the round about, when VSS called me to check-in. They reminded me of their services in case I changed my mind. I agreed to come in the next day, however I was so overcome by grief in the middle of traffic, that I had to pull over off the road to collect myself. I was so out of it. I did not know if I was coming or going. Here it is, I lost a brother and grandchild within 24 hours and I had my daughter’s wedding to attend in two weeks.
The next day I went and met two lovely ladies, one of them I knew already from my small community in St. Maarten. The other I was meeting for the first time. They made me feel so comfortable and relaxed, that I was able to tell them how I actually felt (which was falling through a black hole). For the first time in my life, I was helpless, being a person always in control, I found myself not being able to cope.
They listened, showed empathy and offered to help me thru it.
It was so amazing, they set a goal, which was me attending my daughter’s wedding and they kept it. They went above and beyond their duties to keep me updated by getting in touch with the detective department. They followed up with the prosecutors’ office (on release of my brother’s body) and they communicated with funeral home and the community center where I wanted to keep my brother’s wake. They ensured that all will be done in time for me to get on that plane. Even though I was prepared to miss the wedding, a wedding that I had booked and prepared for a year in advance, VSS ensured that I did not miss it.
They did it. All thanks to them, I was able to attend my daughter’s wedding in the Netherlands.
I will be forever grateful to the Ministry of Justice for this service, however the success lies with the dynamics of the VSS team.
They are forever in my heart and prayers. Thank You VSS.
I turned to Victim Support Services during one of the most difficult times in my life — a domestic violence situation that included severe emotional abuse and manipulation, and a stalking situation. It left me feeling lost, scared, and unsure of where to go for help. From the very beginning, the support I received was above and beyond what I ever expected.
I didn’t know who to turn to or how to get the right paperwork or connections for my case to be taken seriously. Victim Support Services guided me through each step, helping me navigate a complicated system and untangling what felt like a mess I could never get through on my own.
They also provided me with counselling, which was invaluable in helping me cope mentally with the trauma I was experiencing. At a time when I was fearful for my life, it meant everything to have someone who stood by me, listened, and truly understood when no one else did.
Our justice system can be complex and overwhelming, especially for someone who has never been in a situation like this before. Having Victim Support Services by my side — both literally and emotionally — kept me grounded and gave me the strength I needed to hold things together for myself and for my son.
What stood out the most is their dedication: even if they didn’t have the immediate answer, they would go the extra mile to find it. They made me feel that I was not alone in this fight. I can honestly say I would not have come this far without their help.
Victim Support Services has truly been my rock, and I am deeply grateful for everything they have done for me.
I turned to Victim Support Services during one of the most difficult times in my life — a domestic violence situation that included severe emotional abuse and manipulation, and a stalking situation. It left me feeling lost, scared, and unsure of where to go for help. From the very beginning, the support I received was above and beyond what I ever expected.
I didn’t know who to turn to or how to get the right paperwork or connections for my case to be taken seriously. Victim Support Services guided me through each step, helping me navigate a complicated system and untangling what felt like a mess I could never get through on my own.
They also provided me with counselling, which was invaluable in helping me cope mentally with the trauma I was experiencing. At a time when I was fearful for my life, it meant everything to have someone who stood by me, listened, and truly understood when no one else did.
Our justice system can be complex and overwhelming, especially for someone who has never been in a situation like this before. Having Victim Support Services by my side — both literally and emotionally — kept me grounded and gave me the strength I needed to hold things together for myself and for my son.
What stood out the most is their dedication: even if they didn’t have the immediate answer, they would go the extra mile to find it. They made me feel that I was not alone in this fight. I can honestly say I would not have come this far without their help.
Victim Support Services has truly been my rock, and I am deeply grateful for everything they have done for me.