Reports of domestic violence in the Netherlands rose again in the first half of 2025, according to new figures from Veilig Thuis, the national advice and reporting service.

The agency received more than 66,000 reports between January and June, up from 64,000 in the same period last year and from 6040 in 2022. Staff also gave 85,000 consultations to victims, relatives and professionals, compared with 75,000 a year earlier.

Judith Kuypers, director of the national Veilig Thuis network told broadcaster NOS the increase mainly reflects greater awareness of domestic violence. “People know better how to reach us,” she said. “It’s also more widely known that you can call us anonymously, which lowers the threshold for getting in touch.”

Kuypers said she welcomed the growing focus on victims but stressed that perpetrators also need attention. “You are not born a perpetrator,” she said. “Aggressive behaviour is often triggered by underlying problems such as financial stress, substance use or relationship difficulties.”

Researcher Katinka Lünnemann of the Verwey-Jonker Institute told NOS perpetrators who seek help voluntarily are usually easier to treat.

“They are aware of the problem and want to find a solution,” she said. “But some are unable or unwilling to recognise their violent behaviour. That group is much harder to reach and motivate.”

Lünnemann added that the Dutch approach to tackling domestic violence remains fragmented, with policies differing between local authorities.

A recent report by an advisory body to the Council of Europe also called for more coordination as well more and bigger shelters for victims of domestic violence.

“There needs to be better cooperation between organisations,” Lünnemann said. “And while focusing on perpetrators is important, we must not forget partners and children. They need to know where to turn for help.”

In June, MPs voted to adopt “Clare’s s Law” which will allow women to check if their partner has convictions for domestic violence.