Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence, called huiselijk geweld in Dutch, covers physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and digital abuse within a family or intimate relationship. In Beilen, which is part of the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, domestic violence cases are handled under national Dutch law and regional safety arrangements. The police respond to emergencies, the mayor can impose an emergency house ban, child protection can step in when children are at risk, and criminal cases are tried by the District Court of the Northern Netherlands, location Assen. Victims have rights to protection, support, and compensation, and a coordinated network in Drenthe works to secure immediate safety and longer-term solutions.
A lawyer can help you protect your safety quickly. If you need a restraining order, a contact ban, or a temporary house ban to keep an abusive partner away, a lawyer can request urgent measures and make sure they are enforceable.
If you report to the police, a lawyer can guide you through the criminal process as a victim, help you give a statement, assert your rights to be informed and heard, and file a compensation claim in the criminal case.
Domestic violence often connects to family law. A lawyer can help you with divorce or separation, parenting plans, custody and visitation, child and partner maintenance, exclusive use of the home, and division of assets. These issues often need fast interim court orders.
Immigration status can be affected by the end of a relationship. If your residence permit depends on your partner, a lawyer can advise on applying for an independent permit based on domestic violence.
Housing, benefits, and privacy protections can be critical. A lawyer can help you request urgent housing, confidentiality of your address at the municipality, and financial support. They can also advise on evidence, medical reporting, and digital safety to support your case.
Criminal law applies to domestic violence in all its forms. Relevant offenses include assault and battery, threats, stalking, coercion, rape, and sexual assault. The police can arrest a suspect, and the public prosecutor can impose no-contact and area bans as conditions for release and prosecution. Violating these conditions is a criminal offense.
The Temporary Domestic Exclusion Order Act allows the mayor to issue a temporary house ban. This order can immediately remove the alleged perpetrator from the shared home for ten days, with an extension up to four weeks if needed for safety. The order usually includes a contact ban. The person protected by the order receives support from local services.
Civil courts can grant urgent injunctions, such as a contact ban, area ban, or exclusive use of the home. In urgent cases, a judge can decide very quickly through summary proceedings.
Victims have rights under the Code of Criminal Procedure. These include the right to information, to have a confidential victim advisor, to speak during the hearing in serious cases, to claim compensation, and to request protective measures for privacy and safety.
Child protection law applies when children are at risk. The Child Protection Board can ask the court for supervision or out-of-home placement if necessary. Professionals must follow the Mandatory Reporting Code for domestic violence and child abuse and can contact Veilig Thuis for advice and reporting.
Evidence is important. Photos of injuries and damage, medical records, messages and emails, call logs, witness statements, and journal entries can support your case. For sexual violence, the Sexual Assault Center can arrange confidential medical and forensic care without requiring a police report.
Limitation periods exist, but they vary by offense. Serious violent and sexual offenses generally have longer limitation periods, and for offenses against minors the clock may start at age 18. Speak with a lawyer promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
Legal aid is available. Depending on your income, you may qualify for subsidized legal assistance through the Legal Aid Board. Victims of serious violent or sexual crimes can sometimes get a lawyer without a personal contribution. Victim Support Netherlands can assist with practical and emotional support and help with compensation applications.
It includes physical abuse, threats, stalking, sexual violence, psychological abuse such as intimidation and isolation, economic control such as withholding money, and digital abuse such as tracking or harassment through devices. It covers partners, ex-partners, family members, and people in the same household.
If you are in danger, call 112. For non-emergency reporting, you can contact the police. You can also call Veilig Thuis for advice and to make a report. A lawyer or Victim Support Netherlands can help you prepare and accompany you to give a statement.
The mayor can issue a temporary house ban that immediately removes the alleged perpetrator from the shared home for ten days, extendable up to four weeks. It usually includes a no-contact provision. It aims to stop escalation and create time for a safety plan. Violating the ban is an offense. You can request or support this measure through the police or Veilig Thuis.
Yes. In urgent situations, a civil court can grant a contact or area ban in summary proceedings, sometimes within days. The prosecutor can also impose a no-contact condition in a criminal case. A lawyer can advise which route is fastest and most appropriate in your situation.
Authorities prioritize child safety. Veilig Thuis and the Child Protection Board can assess risks. The family court can set temporary arrangements for custody, visitation, and residence. In severe cases the court can order supervision or placement. You can request that handovers occur in safe locations or be suspended if unsafe.
Police can arrest the suspect, especially if caught in the act or there is danger of reoffending. The prosecutor decides on release, conditions such as a contact ban, and whether to prosecute. As a victim, you have the right to information and to claim compensation. A lawyer can help you assert these rights.
Keep dated notes, save messages and emails, take photos of injuries and damage, and seek medical care so injuries are recorded. Store copies in a safe place, for example with a trusted person. Avoid confronting the abuser about your documentation. Ask a lawyer about digital safety, such as changing passwords and checking devices for tracking.
Depending on risk, the abuser can be removed with a house ban or a restraining order, allowing you to stay. If staying is not safe, regional shelters can provide emergency accommodation. The municipality can help with urgent housing arrangements. A lawyer or Veilig Thuis can guide you.
Dutch immigration policy allows victims whose relationship ends due to domestic violence to apply for an independent residence permit. Gather evidence, such as police reports and medical records, and consult a lawyer experienced in immigration and domestic violence as soon as possible.
Costs depend on your income and the type of case. You may qualify for subsidized legal aid through the Legal Aid Board, which lowers your contribution. Victims of serious violent or sexual crimes can sometimes get a lawyer without paying a contribution. Ask your lawyer to check your eligibility and provide a clear cost estimate.
Emergency services: call 112 for immediate danger. For non-emergency police assistance call 0900-8844.
Veilig Thuis Drenthe: advice and reporting point for domestic violence and child abuse, available 24-7 at 0800-2000. They coordinate safety planning and access to shelters.
Victim Support Netherlands: practical, emotional, and legal support for victims, reachable at 0900-0101.
The Legal Counter Het Juridisch Loket: free first-line legal advice, reachable at 0800-8020, with referrals to lawyers for subsidized legal aid when appropriate.
Legal Aid Board Raad voor Rechtsbijstand: information on subsidized legal assistance and eligibility, and referrals to registered lawyers.
Sexual Assault Center Centrum Seksueel Geweld: 24-7 medical and forensic care and support after sexual violence, reachable at 0800-0188.
Child Protection Board Raad voor de Kinderbescherming: involved when children are at risk and in family court proceedings.
Municipality of Midden-Drenthe social services: can assist with urgent housing, financial support, and address confidentiality measures.
District Court of the Northern Netherlands, location Assen: handles local criminal and family law proceedings for Beilen.
Focus on safety first. If you feel unsafe, call 112. Leave the dwelling if needed and go to a safe place. Consider calling Veilig Thuis at 0800-2000 for immediate advice and safety planning.
Seek medical care as soon as possible. Ask the doctor to record your injuries. If sexual violence occurred, contact the Sexual Assault Center at 0800-0188 for confidential medical and forensic care.
Preserve evidence. Save messages, take photos, keep a dated log, and store copies safely with a trusted person or your lawyer.
Consult a lawyer experienced in domestic violence. Ask about urgent measures such as a house ban, restraining order, or exclusive use of the home, and about child arrangements, immigration options, and compensation.
Consider reporting to the police. A lawyer or Victim Support Netherlands can accompany you and help assert your rights. Ask about no-contact conditions and protective measures.
Arrange practical support. Contact the municipality for urgent housing and financial assistance. Ask about confidentiality of your address in the municipal records.
Plan for longer-term stability. Work with your lawyer on family law proceedings, immigration issues if relevant, and a claim for compensation through the criminal case or the Violent Offenses Compensation Fund.
This guide provides general information. Your situation is unique, and time limits may apply. For tailored advice and fast protection, contact a domestic-violence lawyer in or near Beilen as soon as possible.
