(Ex-)partner violence is all violence that takes place between a person and his/her (former) partner. This can be physical abuse, sexual violence or psychological abuse. Partner violence is common at all ages and in all cultures. The abusers are both men and women.

The violence does not arise suddenly, but usually creeps into the relationship. In many relationships affected by violence, you can see some kind of spiral of violence. This means that the more frequent the violence, the more serious it becomes. This also makes the relationship more complex and it becomes increasingly difficult to break the spiral. If nothing happens in the relationship, tension will build up over time, followed by another outburst of violence. The consequences are huge. Physical or psychological complaints can develop that can seriously threaten a person’s health and functioning.

Children and partner violence

Children living in a family where violence occurs can suffer serious trauma, even if they haven’t witnessed the violence themselves. They grow up with doubts and confusion about the meaning of love, intimacy and violence. The most common responses of children are sadness, fear, anger and powerlessness. Especially the fear that you never know what to expect when coming home or when there will be another fight is traumatic for children.

Young people and partner violence

Even as a young person you can experience partner violence, also known as dating violence. Many young people already experience violence in a relationship as early as in the courtship phase. Often the partner is the first real boyfriend or girlfriend, with whom they experience their first romance. Dating violence can involve all kinds of violence, such as name calling, insulting, extreme jealousy, isolating family and friends, ignoring, destroying personal belongings, telling secrets, hitting, pulling hair, unwanted sexual touching, using violence to have sex, rape and assault.

Contact Safe Home

Safe Home is for everyone who is directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence and child abuse, including (ex-)partner violence.

You can call for advice and support. This can either be for yourself or for someone else. You’ll speak to an employee who will listen carefully to what you have to say. This employee answers questions and gives advice. The employee will check with you whether professional help is needed and what help is best. You can remain anonymous if you want or need to.

Soms is het snel duidelijk welke problemen er zijn en welke hulp Sometimes, it quickly becomes clear what the problems are and what help is needed. In that case, we’ll refer you to the right service or organise the right help for you. Sometimes, the problem is not clear and therefore that needs to be established first. Safe Home does this together with the people concerned, as much as possible. But if that’s not possible, Safe Home can also conduct an investigation without the consent of those involved, should this be necessary for the safety of the children or adults.

Are you not sure? Call us or chat, anonymously if you want, for advice. Nothing changes if you don’t!

If you want to report (ex-)partner violence, contact Safe Home in that case as well. You can report anonymously without the knowledge of those directly involved, but Safe Home does record your details.

Talk about it with someone you trust

Praten met iemand in jouw omgeving is een belangrijke eerste stap. Vaak zijn er meer mensen bereid je te helpen dan je zelf denkt. Een goede vriend, een familielid of een buurman of -vrouw die je vTalking to someone close to you is an important first step. Often, there are more people willing to help you than you think. A close friend, family member or a neighbour who you trust. In addition to opening up to this person, you can also ask if he or she will come along with you to a relief agency or General Practitioner.

If you are a child or young person and afraid to talk to an adult, you may want to talk to someone your own age. A friend, the girl next door or a classmate you trust. Whatever is best for you. Once you’ve taken that first step, you will find that getting things off your chest feels good. This could encourage you to talk to an adult, such as someone at school, a neighbour or an uncle or aunt.

Children who want to talk about problems they have at home can also call or chat with the Children’s Helpline. The telephone number is: 0800-0432 (free call) or chat via the website of the Children’s Helpline.

Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 can chat anonymously with the support line for free ‘Do You Need Help’? or call the free number 0800-0450 (lines open daily between 2pm and 10pm). You can talk about anything.

Children and adults who are victims (or witnesses) of sexual abuse can also contact the Sexual Abuse Helpline, by calling 0900-999 90 01.

Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support Netherlands for help and advice through their website or by calling telephone number 0900-0101.