Criminal and victim lawyer Ellen Hullegie of law firm Kuyp Baar warns against sharing images online showing domestic violence. You may think you can help the victim with this – or yourself if you are in such a situation – but it can actually work against you.
Criminal lawyer about the video images
Ellen explains: “I would like to state first that in the case of these video images it is not yet clear what exactly happened. It is a shame that these images are going over the internet. I understand why it is done: it is to bring something to light. But it could be detrimental to the victim.”
Publicly pilloried
“The suspect’s lawyer could say in court that his or her client has already been publicly pilloried. That argument can even lead to a reduced sentence. Not necessarily, it depends on the case. But in principle, if you have already been completely blacked out in the media, there is a good chance that the judge will take that into account in determining the sentence.”
Advice also for non-BN people
Now Lil ‘Kleine and his girlfriend are known, of course, which means that media land is measuring it widely. But Ellen also advises the same in a case of domestic violence involving unknown people: “I would like to say to all victims: do not put these kinds of images online. I understand the motivations, but if you as a victim put images online yourself – or give permission to have someone else do so – you can experience (psychological) disadvantages yourself.”
go to the police
She continues: “In addition, something like this continues to roam the web forever. If children are involved, for example, they can see that later. The best thing you can do is go to the police with such images.”
To do with domestic violence? Call Safe at home 0800-2000. The number 0800-2000 is free and available every day and all hours. When you call, you will be asked to say your city name.
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