Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
In the Netherlands, including Utrecht, domestic violence is considered a substantial violation of human rights. The law encompasses acts of psychological, physical, sexual and economic violence that occur within family or domestic settings. Domestic violence could involve partner violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse between siblings or extended family members. The Dutch government has adopted a comprehensive approach to tackle domestic violence, focusing on detection, prevention and providing necessary help.
If you're a victim of domestic violence, a lawyer can help you obtain protective orders, navigate the family law court setting, negotiate custody and visitation rights, and fight for compensation for any harms you've suffered. If you're accused, a lawyer can help defend your rights, examine evidence, and represent you in court. Legal counsel is crucial in these situations as they can guide you through this complex process while ensuring your rights and interests are secured.
According to Dutch law, domestic violence is a criminal offence and can be penalised by imprisonment and/or fines. Additionally, the Dutch government adopted the 'Violence Belongs Nowhere' program in 2018, which aims to reduce and prevent domestic violence. It's a social issue that's treated as a violation of basic human rights. Dutch law also provides protection measures like emergency injunctions ("huisverbod") allowing the expulsion of the perpetrator from the house for ten days initially, which can be extended up to four weeks. The victim also has the right to legal aid, counselling and medical assistance.
A 'huisverbod' is a temporary restraining order issued by the Mayor to protect victims of domestic violence by removing the perpetrator from the premises for an initial period of ten days. The order could be extended up to a month if necessary.
Yes. Any person living in the Netherlands, regardless of their nationality or immigration status, has the right to protection against domestic violence and can seek help from Dutch institutions.
Domestic violence can be reported to the Police directly. Alternatively, you can contact the national domestic violence hotline ("Veilig Thuis") at 0800-2000. It's anonymous and available 24/7.
After reporting, you can be guided to various counselling and support services, emergency housing, assistance in legal matters and may be granted a subvention for the incurred legal expenses.
If you are wrongfully accused of domestic violence, it’s crucial to get legal advice as soon as possible. A legal professional can help substantiate your claims and protect your rights.
You can contact 'Veilig Thuis', the national domestic violence and child abuse hotline, at any time. Reach out to the Victim Support Netherlands ('Slachtofferhulp'), The Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care ('GGZ Nederland') and Centres for Sexual Violence. Women's shelters and local counseling centers also provide support for victims.
If you need legal assistance, your first step should be contacting a lawyer who specializes in domestic violence cases. The Legal Aid Board can provide free or inexpensive legal assistance depending upon your financial circumstances. You should also consider contacting local support organizations and counselling centres that can provide assistance and resources related to Domestic Violence.
