The risk of getting killed in a homicide is higher in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands than in its European part. For instance, in 2007 28 individuals lost their life in a homicide in Curaçao, which corresponds to a homicide rate of 19 per 100,000 inhabitants. In the Netherlands, in the same year the homicide rate averaged around 0.93. So far, scientific research on this phenomenon in the Caribbean is scarce. Insights into the background and the nature of murder are essential for the development of preventive policies and law enforcement tactics. To bridge this gap, Leiden University (Research Group Physical Violence and Public Order) started a research project with the aim to map the nature and incidence of homicide in Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten and on Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. A Dutch Caribbean Homicide Monitor (DCHM) is being set up, based on the Dutch Homicide Monitor (DHM). The DHM is managed by the University of Leiden and contains detailed information on the characteristics of cases, victims, perpetrators, criminal prosecution, and verdicts. Data collection will start in fall 2018 in Curaçao. Special attention will be paid to the relationship between the Netherlands and Curaçao in the area of deadly gang violence. Initially, the project will focus on the homicide between the 31^st of December 2010 and the 31^st of December 2020, yet the ultimate goal is to keep a close watch on the developing nature of homicide in the Dutch Caribbean region on a permanent basis.

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