850,000 People Experience Domestic Violence, What About You?

The most common forms of domestic violence in the Netherlands are physical, emotional or psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. These types can include incidents of beating, threats, humiliation, sexual assaults, financial control, and isolation from family or friends. This violence can occur in various social and cultural contexts.

In 2022, according to official statistics, over 850,000 Dutch citizens experienced structural domestic violence. In the same year, 9% of the population aged 16 and older reported domestic violence, with 6% (over 850,000 individuals) being structural victims, experiencing violence almost daily. This figure doesn't include verbal aggression, which would raise the percentage to 33%. Among the 32% of victims of verbal aggression, 12% experienced it structurally. These data unveil a staggering reality that requires immediate attention and action.

Structural domestic violence is repeated or systematic violence in a domestic setting, which can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. To combat this, it's crucial to seek help, provide a safe environment for the victim, and ensure access to legal and psychological support. It's also important to work on raising awareness and educating the public about recognizing and preventing domestic violence.

Below, we provide a brief anonymous survey designed to identify potential signs of domestic violence among women in the Netherlands. The answers to these questions can help a woman determine if there are elements of control, neglect, physical, or emotional abuse in her relationships. By selecting one of the options, you will access general statistics of responses among women in the Netherlands.

Please select one situation that most frequently and regularly occurs in your relationship with your partner:

• 1 Often requires reporting my whereabouts and contacts.
• 2 Regularly agree with his opinions to avoid arguments.
• 3 Regularly gets offended if I spend time without him.
• 4 Often feel guilty after communicating with him.

See All Options

Interpretation and Advice:

1 Control and Isolation: This is a sign of controlling relationships. It's important to maintain independence and boundaries. Life situations examples:

• Your partner demands to know all details about your plans, who you meet, and where you go.

• Your partner gets offended or angry when you spend time with friends or family.

• Your partner prohibits you from visiting certain places or communicating with certain people.

2 Emotional Abuse: Fear of expressing your opinion can be a sign of emotional abuse.

Life situations examples:

• Your partner regularly criticizes you, making you feel insecure.

• Your partner blames you for relationship problems, making you feel guilty.

• Your partner minimizes your feelings or achievements, undermining your self-esteem.
  

3 Dependency: Unhealthy dependency can lead to isolation from family and friends.

Life situations examples:

• Your partner creates situations where you are entirely dependent on them (financially, emotionally).

• Your partner prohibits or limits your professional activities or education.

• Your partner interferes in your personal relationships, undermining your connections with others.
  

4 Guilt: Constant feeling of guilt after interacting with your partner can indicate manipulation.

Life situations examples:

• After arguments, your partner makes you feel guilty for starting them or "provoking" them.

• Your partner accuses you of not meeting their expectations.

• Your partner uses your weaknesses or past mistakes for manipulation.
  

5 Financial Abuse: Control over finances is a form of financial abuse.

Life situations examples:

• Your partner controls all your finances and demands reports on expenses.

• Your partner denies you access to joint funds or limits your personal expenses.

• Your partner prohibits you from working or demands your entire salary.
  

6 Irregular Disagreements or Arguments: In most cases, irregular conflict situations indicate typical relationships without signs of domestic violence, but it's important to be attentive and watch for signals of unhealthy relationships.

7 Potential Domestic Violence Among Acquaintances: If you know someone who might be experiencing domestic violence, share with them the link to www.womanaid.help where they can receive a self-help plan and, if necessary, seek social support from professionals.

Fear, depression, and a sense of losing control over one's life are also important indicators not to be ignored. Remember, if any of these signals are detected, it's essential to turn to professionals, or start a free mental and psychological self-development program at this link.