Know your rights
Choose a country to explore how different forms of gender-based violence may be recognised in law, where to verify the information, and who can help.
Support number: Veilig Thuis (0800-2000)
Physical violence (assault, ‘mishandeling’) is a criminal offence under the Dutch Criminal Code (Articles 300–304), with heavier penalties when committed against a partner or family member. Choking and strangulation are treated seriously.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Since 1 July 2024, the Netherlands has a consent-based sexual offences law (Wet seksuele misdrijven). Sex without consent can be prosecuted as rape or sexual assault, and the law also covers online sexual offences. This was a major reform.
Last reviewed: September 2026
There is currently no standalone offence of coercive control in the Netherlands. A law to criminalise ongoing psychological violence and coercive control was in public consultation in 2026 but is not yet in force. Some related acts — threats, stalking, or assault — may be prosecutable individually.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Stalking (‘belaging’) is a criminal offence under Article 285b of the Dutch Criminal Code. It covers repeated, unwanted intrusion into someone's life intended to force, frighten, or harass them.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent (‘wraakporno’) has been a criminal offence since 2020 (Article 139h), and image-based sexual abuse is now also covered under the 2024 Sexual Offences Act.
Last reviewed: September 2026
There is no specific offence of economic or financial abuse in Dutch law. Depending on the circumstances, some conduct may fall under fraud, theft, or coercion, but economic abuse as a pattern is not recognised on its own.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sexual harassment is prohibited as sex discrimination in employment and vocational settings under EU law. National criminal-law coverage and remedies vary, so check the source below.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Country comparison
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