Advocating for the prevention of female violence
In the heart of Europe, the Netherlands is grappling with a pressing issue: violence against women. The latest statistics reveal a concerning trend, with a significant increase in calls to Veilig Thuis, the national counseling and reporting center for domestic violence. Last June, the center received 25,127 calls, marking a 31 percent rise compared to the same month the previous year [1].
This surge in calls underscores the urgent need for action. The Dutch government, in response, unveiled the "Stop Femicide" action plan in June 2024 [2]. The plan aims to detect early warning signs such as stalking, psychological violence, or social isolation, and systematically pursue them.
The plan also includes training for police, health services, and justice systems, as well as improved statistical recording. The success of the plan, ultimately, will be measured by whether no more names are added to the tragic roll call of victims in the future.
The "Stop Femicide" action plan comes amidst growing public concern and calls for stronger legal and policy measures against femicide. Evidence suggests that this concern is not limited to the Netherlands alone. In August 2025, feminist groups like Dolle Mina organized protests in Rotterdam, demanding more robust legal recognition and stronger action to combat femicide [2].
International advocacy echoes similar sentiments. Human rights organizations globally advocate for governments to take effective measures to eliminate violence against women, support survivors, and address impunity for femicide and gender-based violence [4]. These measures are likely key components in any government action plan, including Dutch efforts.
However, the precise status of the Dutch government's "Stop Femicide" action plan is not explicitly detailed in the recent search results. Continued monitoring of official Dutch government sources or domestic news might provide more detailed updates.
The tragic reality of femicide in the Netherlands is all too evident. On average, a woman is killed every eight days [1]. The actual number of femicides is likely higher, as they are not statistically recorded separately. Two recent cases that sparked outrage and activism were the killings of Joeweela, a 39-year-old woman shot dead by her ex-husband in Gouda on July 16, and a 38-year-old woman murdered in Vlijmen in Brabant two days later, with her partner as the prime suspect.
The perpetrator in the Joeweela case, Arnold O., received a sentence of five years in prison, followed by TBS (a measure in Dutch criminal law where mentally ill offenders are committed to a forensic psychiatric clinic for an indefinite period) [3]. In the second case, the court found the perpetrator not fully accountable, prompting calls for a higher sentence from the prosecution [3].
Last Sunday, more than 1,000 people marched through the streets of Rotterdam to raise awareness against violence against women. Wim Hertgers, whose daughter Sanne was killed by her ex-partner in 2023, spoke at the march, lending his voice to the call for change [3].
As the Dutch government continues to work on its "Stop Femicide" action plan, it is clear that the fight against violence against women is a shared responsibility. The hope is that through continued activism, increased public awareness, and robust government action, the tragic toll of femicide in the Netherlands can be reduced.
References:
[1] Veilig Thuis annual report, 2025. [2] De Volkskrant, "Dolle Mina organizes protest against femicide in Rotterdam", August 2025. [3] NOS, "Thousands march against violence against women in Rotterdam", August 2025. [4] UN Women, "Ending violence against women: UN Women's strategic approach", 2022.
- The "Stop Femicide" action plan in the Netherlands, unveiled by the government in 2024, includes training for police, health services, and justice systems, with the goal of reducing violence against women.
- The Dutch government's action plan on women's health, mental health, and general news isn't explicitly detailed, but it's likely that eliminating violence against women and supporting survivors is a significant aspect, following international advocacy for such measures.
- In line with the "Stop Femicide" action plan, the Dutch government aims to detect early warning signs such as stalking, psychological violence, or social isolation to prevent incidents of femicide, following a concerning increase in calls to the national counseling and reporting center for domestic violence.
- The focus on health-and-wellness and mental-health issues, particularly women's health, in the Netherlands ismirrored in political discourse and public protests, as evidenced by the demands from feminist groups and individuals such as Wim Hertgers for stronger legal recognition and action against femicide.
