Addressing Violence Against Women: A Comprehensive Overview

The Netherlands is facing significant challenges in combating violence against women, as highlighted by the European Council’s monitoring body, GREVIO. The country has not fully met its obligations under the Istanbul Convention, which aims to prevent violence against women. GREVIO's report emphasizes the inadequacy of shelters for victims and the need for better alignment of domestic violence definitions with the convention's standards. The report also criticizes the tendency to treat domestic violence as a mere conflict rather than a serious issue of power and control.

Netherlands failing to tackle violence against women, says European advisory councilNetherlands must do more to prevent violence against womenActivists Warn of Repeated Killings

Despite some progress, including the introduction of Clare’s Law, which allows women to check if their partners have a history of domestic violence, GREVIO calls for urgent action in several areas. These include increasing the number of shelters, eliminating the waiting period for reporting sexual crimes, and enhancing the use of restraining orders to protect victims. The report also points out that domestic violence is often inadequately addressed in custody and visitation cases, failing to consider the power imbalances involved.

Netherlands failing to tackle violence against women, says European advisory council

The issue of violence against women has gained increased visibility in the Netherlands, particularly following the murder of 17-year-old Lisa in Duivendrecht, which sparked the "We Claim the Night" campaign. This movement aims to raise awareness and demand action against femicide and domestic violence. In July, over 1,000 people marched in Rotterdam to protest against femicide, following the killings of two women allegedly by their partners.

Netherlands must do more to prevent violence against women

Critics argue that the Dutch government has not done enough to address the systemic issues contributing to violence against women. They highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes education, prevention, and support for victims. Activists emphasize that the current measures are insufficient and call for a more robust response from authorities.

Netherlands must do more to prevent violence against women

While GREVIO acknowledges some positive steps taken by the Netherlands, such as the Stop Femicide! action plan and new sexual offenses legislation, there remains a significant gap between policy and practice. The report indicates that many women still face barriers when seeking help, and the lack of adequate resources continues to hinder effective support systems.

Netherlands failing to tackle violence against women, says European advisory council

• “that violence against women stems from their inequality with men, shortcomings in understanding the gender-based nature of domestic violence and its disproportionate effect on women persist” — GREVIO Report

Netherlands must do more to prevent violence against women

• “Domestic abuse is not just an issue behind closed doors — it is a public crisis rooted in misogyny, coercive control, and a culture that must be challenged at every level.” — Cllr Sarah Duffy

Candlelight vigil in Armagh to honour victims and survivors of domestic abuse

The ongoing challenges in addressing violence against women in the Netherlands underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach that includes legislative reform, increased resources for shelters, and public awareness campaigns. Activists and officials alike stress the importance of community involvement and the need for a societal shift to effectively combat this pervasive issue. As the country continues to grapple with these challenges, the commitment to creating a safer environment for women remains a critical priority.

Activists Warn of Repeated Killings