Dutch police to launch fast checks in domestic strangulation cases
Dutch authorities will launch a nationwide pilot next week to speed up forensic medical checks on victims of attempted strangulation in domestic violence cases. This step, the police say, could be crucial in prosecuting abusers and preventing femicide.
Starting September 15 in Midden-Nederland, and later expanding to Oost-Nederland and Oost-Brabant, the program will allow forensic doctors to examine victims within 48 hours. The effort is a joint project of the Public Prosecution Service (OM), police, and forensic medical bureau LOEF.
“Strangulation attempts often leave little visible injury, but serious internal damage can occur and disappear quickly,” said Mirjam Warnaar, national prosecutor for forensic investigation. “If internal injury is shown, it is an important step in finding the truth, assessing the seriousness of the case, and setting the punishment.”
Police welcomed the plan as a way to strengthen evidence in court. “This pilot shows how cooperation can improve the response to serious domestic violence,” said Martin Sitalsing, national police lead for Care and Safety. “The link between medical and forensic work is needed to identify red flags and build the case.”
Officials noted that strangulation is one of the strongest predictors of lethal domestic violence. “Dozens of women die each year from partner violence, and many more live with abuse and intimidation,” said Judith van Schoonderwoerd den Bezemer, national prosecutor for domestic violence and sexual crimes. “Strangulation attempts are a key red flag for escalation and sometimes femicide.”
The OM began registering cases involving female victims last year. In 2024, prosecutors logged 24 killings and 49 attempted killings of women by suspects. Cases in which offenders also died by suicide were not counted.
