WILLEMSTAD - The brutal murder of 32-year-old Shelley Litzel Rodriguez Liriano, who was shot and killed by her ex-husband last week, has left the island of Curaçao in mourning. Her death has reignited urgent calls to address the growing epidemic of domestic and gender-based violence, or femicide, in which women are harmed or killed by their partners.

So far this year, Curaçao has recorded 293 reports of domestic and relationship-related violence, nearly double the figures from previous years. In 2023, authorities registered 144 cases, while in 2024 there were 172. With several months still remaining in 2025, reports have already increased by 90 percent compared to last year.

In response to Shelley’s killing, the Ministry of Justice has announced the creation of a new police unit dedicated specifically to combating domestic and relationship violence. Justice Minister Shalten Hato (MFK) said the unit’s mission is to “protect before it’s too late.”

Shelley was shot last Thursday as she walked to her car. Her 36-year-old ex-husband, identified by police as the suspect, took his own life two days later.

The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and renewed debate over the need for stronger prevention, early intervention, and protection for victims of domestic violence in Curaçao.