The trial with a drop-in point for domestic violence in Tilburg is going well. Since the pilot started more than six months ago, more than eighty women and several men have registered with Filomena Hart van Brabant. Other Brabant municipalities are following the pilot with interest.
“Filomena meets a need. The number of people who have registered exceeds our expectations,” says Ingrid van Hoof, quartermaster of Filomena Hart van Brabant. “People can walk in here without an appointment, call us or chat with us. They will find a safe place here where they are listened to. There are care providers present, the police can explain the report and the GGD can conduct forensic investigations. It is striking: almost 30 percent of the reporters have sought help for the first time via Filomena.”
Municipalities are showing interest
The approach does not go unnoticed. Brabant municipalities are investigating whether they can set up something similar. This is also the case in Eindhoven. “We are exploring a Filomena approach,” says a spokesperson. “We are learning from municipalities such as Tilburg. Domestic violence and child abuse are complex safety and health issues. A broad approach is needed.”
Breda is also showing interest. The municipality is in contact with Filomena Hart van Brabant and made a working visit to Rotterdam, where the concept started in 2020. “Any form of violence is one too many,” says a spokesperson. “We analyze how we currently work to identify violence and permanently stop it. We create an action plan with focus and coherence. Part of this is exploring whether a drop-in point can contribute to this.”
Filomena Hart van Brabant
In 2025, Veilig Thuis received 4,210 reports of domestic violence in the Hart van Brabant region. But a large part takes place behind the front door and is not reported. Filomena Hart van Brabant is there for people and bystanders who are dealing with physical, psychological or sexual violence. In 2020, the concept was launched in Rotterdam, followed later by Groningen, Tilburg and Amsterdam.
Filomena Hart van Brabant, as the first walk-in point in Brabant, opened its doors in October 2025. “Our hostess is an expert by experience and takes care of people,” says intensive case manager Geesje. “She knows how difficult it can be to tell your story. Shame often plays a role. People regularly have to deal with years of patterns of intimate terror and coercive control.”
The stories impress Geesje. For example, she guides people in investigating whether a report has a chance of success. “A woman had to deal with sexual violence in her relationship, severe abuse and years of control. After the relationship ended, she was stalked. There were no witnesses. She only had the apps. Is that enough? That gets under your skin.”
After each consultation hour, the intensive case managers draw up an assistance plan together with the police and emergency services. Van Hoof: “Sometimes other healthcare institutions take over the assistance. We continue to guide people who are in complex situations. We do not let go until it is safe.”
Approach pays off
The approach seems to work, Geesje sees. “Some people are regaining access to their social network from which they were isolated and access to finances. Some women have left their partner and are being welcomed into their network.”
Filomena Hart van Brabant also has an eye for people who use violence. “We know from organizations such as Sterk Huis that they are often motivated to stop,” says Van Hoof. “We are in contact with the network of people seeking help, including people who use violence. This is always done in consultation with the person seeking help. For example, we have advised someone to register with the perpetrator offer of the Expertise Center for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. In this way we can make situations safer sooner.”
