Waiting for a lawsuit is long, but victims of sex offenses have to be patient for more than a year in Drenthe. And that long -term uncertainty is heavy.
“Your life stands still. You don’t feel taken seriously because it takes so long,” says Nadine from Drenthe. “You are lived,” adds Yvonne. Both women reported sexual violence and had to wait for two years until their business prevented.
That is no exception. Victims of sexual abuse and other sex offenses wait at least a year in the Northern Netherlands before their case comes to court, while the investigation by the Public Prosecution Service (OM) is already ready. Courts in Drenthe, Groningen and Friesland have great difficulty processing the amount of sex offenses.
Yvonne tells about her report: “At that time I was still in high school, I had to take the exam, but you are lived by that process.” Nadine recognizes this. It is not her real name, but she wants to tell her story. After she reported, she even had to go into hiding. That lasted a year and a half. “The wait makes you insecure, it scares you.”
The No Need to Hide Foundation assists victims of sexual crimes. Suzanne Harms of the foundation recognizes the outlined image among the people she now assists. “When someone reports a declaration, the person actually wants to take control of themselves. But that is difficult if they have to wait so long.”
Both women also notice that doubts arise while waiting. With the victims themselves, but also from their environment. “They think it’s done.” We’ll hear it by that time, you don’t have to nag anymore, they are working on it, “Nadine sums a few responses.
Yvonne adds: “At some point you can also doubt yourself. Did I interpret it well? I think the confirmation is very important for yourself.”
The No Need to Hide Foundation also sees that: “Credibility is often questioned when it takes a very long time. And there are also often comments from the environment:” Is it true what you say and why does it take so long? ” That also makes someone doubt themselves again. “
During the waiting process, communication can be better, says Harms. “There is missing an information structure and clarity. Even if it takes a long time, it is nice if this is communicated.” She also sees that victims do not report due to the long waiting time. While that can help with processing. “It gives you control, and no conviction is needed for that.”