Politics · Netherlands · 1 hr ago

Dutch domestic violence hotline warns it cannot handle rising reports

Dutch domestic violence hotline warns it cannot handle rising reports

The Dutch agency Veilig Thuis says it cannot keep up with reports of possible domestic violence and child abuse.

It advises people and investigates concerns, and received 136,000 reports last year.

The law says reports must be addressed within five days, but about half have been delayed in recent years, with people now waiting an average of around two months.

Urgent cases involving immediate danger are handled at once, without joining the waiting list.

The agency says reports are rising and cases are becoming more complex, while shortages across care services add to the pressure.

It says government funding is the only solution and warns it cannot ensure every safety concern is addressed in time.

What people are saying

Ida OuweneelBoard member of the National Network Veilig Thuis
We cannot get through them; this cannot go on.
via NOS
At this moment we cannot guarantee that we can address all signs of danger in time.
via NOS
Colinda GuiljamStaff member at Veilig Thuis in Zeeland
Every day when I start up the computer, I see the number of reports getting bigger.
via NOS

Sources

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