News item | 8/29/2023 | 08:00
Almost 1.3 million Dutch people aged 16 and older have been victims of domestic violence in one year, according to the Prevalence Monitor 2022 of Statistics Netherlands. More than 850 thousand people experienced it on a regular basis: (almost) daily, weekly or monthly. To help people experiencing domestic violence, State Secretary Van Ooijen (Public Health, Welfare and Sport) and Minister Weerwind for Legal Protection (Justice and Security) call on bystanders to take action: “Look out for each other. Because breaking an unsafe home situation , start by discussing your concerns.”
Domestic violence, such as child abuse, partner abuse and elder abuse, occurs in all layers of the population. It is often passed on from generation to generation: of the families reported to Safe Home, 46 percent of the parents themselves experienced one or more forms of domestic violence as a child. Victims and perpetrators often do not seek help or seek help too late. And once they report and get help, it’s a long process to change behavior.
To break the cycle of domestic violence, it is important to intervene earlier. The role of bystanders is essential here. That is why State Secretary Van Ooijen and Minister Weerwind call on people to take action if they suspect an unsafe home situation. “Domestic violence can also occur in your environment, such as with your neighbours, a friend, colleague or family member. Are you worried about someone? Don’t keep walking around with it. And contact the person you suspect is a victim of domestic violence. Check how things are going and share your concerns. Breaking through an unsafe home situation starts with discussing your concerns.”
Rachelle was abused by her husband. A couple of friends expressed their concerns and kept saying that they were there for her. Together they share their experience in the exhibition “WE…break the circle of violence” by the Open Mind Foundation. Diana: “The first time I suspected something, Rachelle broke her wrist. I asked what had happened. She said she fell down the stairs. She laughed shyly about it and didn’t dare to look me in the eye. My gut said it wasn’t right. Pretty soon after, Rachelle and her husband moved. We saw Rachelle less then. I kept calling her and kept asking how she was. When we saw her, I noticed that she behaved differently in the presence of her husband. I kept reaching out and said she could always call us if there was anything. One night she found the courage to do that.” Rachelle: “I am eternally grateful to them. They didn’t give up. Without them, my son and I would not have gotten out of the violent situation.”
Tips if you suspect domestic violence
Are you worried about someone? Don’t keep walking around with it. And use these 3 conversation tips to get into action.
- Name what you notice. For example: I often hear screaming, how are you?
- Keep an open mind and don’t be judgmental.
- Let them know you are there for them. For example, by offering practical help. Like shopping or picking up the kids from school.
More help
Can’t figure it out or are you unsure if you’re seeing it right? For more information, go to ikmoethuiselijkgeweld.nl. Do you want advice from a professional or do you like it when someone thinks along with you? Then call or chat with a professional Safe Home.