What should you do if you experience domestic violence?
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Domestic violence is violence perpetrated by someone close to you. Domestic violence is illegal in the Netherlands. In this article, you can find out what domestic violence is, how to ask for help, and what to do if you are not safe at home.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is violence perpetrated by someone close to you. For example, your partner, ex-partner, parent, child, relative, friend or housemate.
The term domestic does not mean that the violence always takes place at home. It mainly refers to the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. Domestic violence can therefore take place at home, but also outside the home.
Domestic violence can take many forms. It can involve hitting, kicking, threatening, verbal abuse or destroying property. But controlling, intimidating, locking someone up or coercing them also constitutes violence. Sexual violence,
Domestic violence occurs in all countries and cultures. It is never normal. And it is never your fault.
What can you do if you are a victim?
If you are in danger right now, call the general emergency number in the Netherlands
If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, call 112 straight away. You should do this, for example, if someone hits you, threatens you with a knife, locks you up or says they are going to harm you.
112 is the general emergency number in the Netherlands. You will be put through to the emergency services control centre. They can quickly send the police, an ambulance or the fire service.
If there is no immediate danger but you do need police assistance, please call 0900-8844. For example, if you wish to report a crime, seek advice or let them know that you are not safe at home or elsewhere.
2. Contact Veilig Thuis
If there is no immediate danger but you do not feel safe at home, please contact
You can call on your own behalf, on behalf of your children, or on behalf of someone else. You can also call if you are unsure. You can ask for advice first. You do not have to make an official report straight away. You can also remain anonymous.
Veilig Thuis will listen to your story. Then, together, you will work out what help you need. This could include support at home, assistance from the municipality, support for children, contact with the police, or a safe place to stay.
3. Call De Kindertelefoon if you are aged between 8 and 18
If you are aged between 8 and 18, you can call or chat with
You do not need to give your name. De Kindertelefoon is here to listen to you and help you work through things. Together, you can discuss what you can do and who can help you.
Call 0800 0432 free of charge or chat via the De Kindertelefoon website.
4. Call the Sexual Abuse Helpline
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you can seek help and advice from the
Centrum Seksueel Geweld will listen to your story and help you find a way forward. You will receive advice on what you can do and where you can get help.
You can call 0800-0188. The helpline is open on weekdays from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
5. Contact the Centrum Seksueel Geweld
If you have experienced sexual violence, you can get help from Centrum Seksueel Geweld. There, you can access a range of support services in one place. This includes medical care, psychological support and, in some cases, forensic examination to look for evidence of the perpetrator.
It is important to seek help as soon as possible, particularly within the first 7 days following the sexual assault. During this time, support workers are better able to help prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections. They can also secure evidence, which may be important if you wish to report the incident to the police.
A Centrum Seksueel Geweld (sexual assault centre) is often located within a hospital's emergency department. The examination to look for evidence is free of charge for you. Other healthcare costs may, however, be subject to your health insurance excess.
6. Call Slachtofferhulp Nederland
You can call Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands) if you are a victim of domestic violence, threats or sexual violence. You can also call if you have witnessed such an incident, or if someone you know is a victim.
Slachtofferhulp Nederland will listen to your story and offer advice. They can help you with practical matters, such as contacting the police, reporting a crime or seeking help. They can also explain your rights as a victim.
You can call 0900-0101.
Advice if you are a victim of violence
There is no need to feel ashamed
Many people do not talk about domestic violence. They are afraid, feel ashamed, or think that nobody will believe them. But the violence is not your fault.
Even if you do not speak much Dutch, you are welcome to ask for help. For example, you could say:
"Ik ben thuis niet veilig. Ik spreek weinig Nederlands. Ik heb hulp nodig." ("I do not feel safe at home. I do not speak much Dutch. I need help.")
You can also bring someone you trust with you. For example, a neighbour, a friend, a social worker or a contact person from
Make sure you choose someone you feel safe with. Choose someone who will not tell the perpetrator.
You can file a report, but you should seek advice first
You can report the incident to the police. The police can then investigate what happened.
If you are injured, go to your doctor or to the hospital. Ask the doctor to document your injuries. This may be important as evidence later on.
You do not have to decide straight away whether you want to report the incident. You can seek advice first. For example, from the police, Veilig Thuis or Slachtofferhulp Nederland.
Ask for help if you are not safe
If you are experiencing domestic violence, tell people who can help you. Asking for help is an important first step towards safety.