Dutch parliament pushes for national coordinator to tackle femicide

The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, wants a national coordinator to bring more coherence to policies against femicide. The VVD, GroenLinks-PvdA, D66, NSC, and SP, which together hold 82 seats, say an “integrated action plan” is needed to replace the current fragmented approach when it comes to combating the murder of women by men on account of their gender.

GroenLinks-PvdA MP Songül Mutluer has outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening protections against domestic violence. Her proposals include tougher sentences for psychological abuse, manslaughter of a partner or child, and non-fatal strangulation. Women who are strangled by their partner are seven times more likely later in the relationship to become victims of femicide. Several parties have voiced their support for her plan.

The MPs also emphasized the need to raise awareness of warning signs that could point to domestic violence or an imminent femicide. Several MPs described it as “the most predictable crime,” noting that it often follows a familiar pattern of control within the relationship, followed by stalking or threats after a breakup.

During the debate, the government pledged to consult with parliament on whether to appoint “a driver” for femicide policy, though the exact responsibilities of the role were still unclear. State Secretary Nicki Pouw-Verweij (Health, BBB) suggested the role could take the form of a national coordinator, a government commissioner, or a special envoy.

VVD member Bente Becker immediately called for a coordinator. “It’s not about raising awareness, which a government commissioner does; I just want someone to drive this full-time,” she said. GroenLinks-PvdA also advocates assigning one minister overall responsibility for the cabinet’s femicide policy. Parliament has expressed frustration that femicide policy is currently fragmented across the Ministries of Health, Justice, and Education.

Mutluer released her note following a summer marked by several high-profile cases of violence against women. The murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude, who was killed while cycling home after a night out, sparked widespread public outrage. Thousands of people across multiple cities took to the streets to protest femicide, domestic violence, and sexual misconduct.

The government aims to clarify before the end of the year whether a “driver” will be appointed for femicide policy, and if so, what the role will entail.