Female cops sexually abused while going through trauma therapy
At least ten female police officers have come forward with accounts of serious sexually transgressive behavior at Blauwe Haven, a project for officers with PTSD in Rotterdam. Many don’t dare to file an official report because they worry about the consequences for their jobs, AD reports.
The police launched an internal investigation into sexually transgressive behavior at the project for traumatized cops in September 2024. The project leader and another campaign manager were suspended and a criminal investigation is underway against the latter. However, the fact that the victims are hesitant to press charges is making the investigation slow-going.
Research by AD showed that at least 10 women had approached police unions and other intermediaries about being sexually harassed or abused at Blauwe Haven, but only a few dared to cooperate with the investigation. They fear for their careers and that any information they provide will end up with the perpetrators. Various people involved with Blauwe Haven have been approached by people who know the suspects in recent months.
The police management is now considering letting the women make their statements anonymously. “Because we want everyone to be able to tell their story. Of course, there are also legal issues involved. We are currently mapping these out,” a police spokesperson told AD.
Nine Kooman of the police union NPB thinks the option to report anonymously is a good idea. “They are really afraid. These women, who are in a vulnerable position, must feel safe to cooperate. We are talking about very serious signals. It is very important that all the evidence is brought to the table and the case can be properly investigated.”
Blauwe Haven consists of several projects aimed at helping officers who suffered trauma on duty. This often involves cops with PTSD or burnout. The project has a low-stimulus office in Poortugaal where officers can do low-threshold investigation tasks with no uniforms or sirens around them.
