Almere woman sentenced to six years in prison for holding partner as 'house slave'
A 63-year-old woman from Almere has been sentenced to six years in prison and tbs (mandatory psychiatric treatment with detention) for years of physical and psychological abuse, human trafficking, and unlawful imprisonment of her two partners. The court ruled that Marjon K. exerted complete control over the victims, isolating them, subjecting them to severe violence, and treating one of them as a "house slave" for more than 15 years, NOS and Omroep Flevoland report.
According to prosecutors, K. pretended to be a clairvoyant to manipulate her victims, claiming she could "cleanse negative energies" and help them overcome trauma. She reportedly used this deception to gain their trust and later establish complete dominance over their lives. One of the women was reportedly under K.'s control from 2005 to 2020, during which she was subjected to severe beatings, imprisonment, and forced labor in multiple locations, including Almere, Weesp, Amsterdam, and Kampen.
A second woman was reportedly under K.'s influence for five years and was also exploited. She was allegedly stabbed by K. in 1996. Both victims had their phones, bank cards, and keys stolen and were systematically cut off from friends and family, making them entirely dependent on K.
Forced financial dependence and physical abuse
When K. entered a relationship with her first victim, she was already legally married to another woman. She forced her spouse to leave their home and move in with her new partner, while maintaining control over her finances and providing only a small allowance. Later, K. tricked her spouse into visiting her home, where she was detained, stripped of her belongings, and forced to call in sick to work. The court determined that this second victim endured the same controlling and abusive conditions as K.'s other partner.
The first victim was forced to carry out household chores under strict time limits. If she failed to meet K.'s demands, she was beaten with an iron chain, a belt, or a broomstick and was even stabbed. A medical examination confirmed multiple scars consistent with these violent attacks. Additionally, K. controlled when she could eat or sleep and spent the victim's money on personal expenses, including vacations. The court ruled that the victim had "no control over her own life" during this period.
Both victims testified about the long-term trauma caused by the abuse, describing ongoing fear, flashbacks, and severe emotional distress. The court strongly condemned K.'s actions, stating she acted purely out of a need for power, control, and financial gain, with no regard for the suffering she inflicted.
Psychological experts diagnosed K. with a personality disorder and warned she is highly likely to reoffend without treatment. The court followed their recommendation, imposing tbs with forced psychiatric treatment. Prosecutors had requested a 10-year sentence in addition to tbs, but the court ruled that attempted manslaughter was not proven, resulting in a reduced prison term.
K. was also ordered to pay significant compensation to both victims. The victim of human trafficking and abuse will receive more than 265,000 euros, primarily for lost income during the years she was under K.'s control.
The case first came to light in 2022 but faced delays due to K.'s unsuccessful attempt to have the court removed from proceedings. One of the victims' lawyers expressed frustration over the repeated delays, stating, "We saw this coming. My client says it is yet another sign that the suspect wants to control the situation."
The prosecutor agreed, saying, "She keeps everyone in her grasp. It fits the facts of the case; it fits the results of the behavioral research. She wants maximum control in every situation."
