New law proposed in Netherlands to protect women from violent partners
Dutch lawmakers from D66, GroenLinks-PvdA, and the VVD are calling for a new law modeled after the British Clare’s Law to better protect women from domestic violence. The proposed legislation would allow victims and their close contacts to request information from police about a partner’s history of violence, RTL reported.
Hanneke van der Werf of D66 explained the urgent need: “Women who are victims of domestic violence usually don’t know that their partner has been violent before. While perpetrators often have a history of violence.”
The Dutch coalition asks State Secretary Coenradie to explore the feasibility of introducing a similar law in the Netherlands. Clare’s Law in the United Kingdom is named after Clare Wood, a woman murdered in 2009 by her partner, who had a violent past unknown to her.
VVD’s Bente Becker emphasized the gap in information: “It was clear to the police long before that he was very dangerous. She simply didn’t have access to those records.”
Clare’s Law grants people the right to inquire whether a partner or ex-partner has a record of domestic violence or abuse. Songul Mutluer of GroenLinks-PvdA stated, “A Dutch Clare’s Law could reveal that history before it turns fatal. That can save lives.”
Clare Wood was killed by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009. Appleton had a known history of abusing women, but Wood was unaware. After ending the relationship in late 2008 due to Appleton’s controlling behavior and infidelity, Wood filed multiple police reports alleging intimidation, destruction of property, death threats, and sexual abuse.
In early 2009, Wood’s lifeless body was found. Appleton had strangled her and set her home on fire before killing himself. Her father campaigned for legal reform, convinced that Clare would still be alive had she known about Appleton’s violent past. The campaign led to the introduction of Clare’s Law in the UK about a decade ago.
The Dutch lawmakers propose that not only victims but also close relatives and friends be allowed access to such information. Van der Werf said, “Often, a mother or sister sees someone becoming increasingly isolated in an unsafe relationship. They need a way to say: something is wrong.”
Becker pointed to a recent court case where a mother felt from the start that her daughter was in danger. “If she could have gone to the police and gained access to that information, her daughter might still be alive.”
The coalition wants the State Secretary to clarify who exactly would have access to police records while respecting privacy laws. Becker said, “Women’s right not to be threatened must outweigh a perpetrator’s right to remain anonymous. We must do everything to protect women from men who think: she is mine, and if she leaves me, I have the right to harm her.”
Van der Werf noted that the UK has strong safeguards: “You can’t simply request someone’s criminal record. There must be proportionality and necessity.”
In the Netherlands, a woman is killed roughly every eight days, often by a current or former partner. The lawmakers believe the law could reduce this number. Mutluer stated, “Sharing information can open someone’s eyes before it’s too late. It can empower victims to make informed decisions, seek help, or leave dangerous relationships.”
The parties expect broad support in the Tweede Kamer. Becker said, “I am hopeful. It works in the UK, and Australia and Canada have also taken steps. The Netherlands must follow.”
