National campaign for women’s safety, sparked by teen’s murder, raises over €130,000
A national fundraising campaign demanding women’s safety and a surge in self-defense product sales have followed the murder of 17-year-old Lisa from Abcoude, drawing widespread attention across the Netherlands.
In just two days, the campaign “We claim the night, let women get home safely” (“Wij eisen de nacht op, laat vrouwen veilig thuiskomen”) has raised more than 130,000 euros, far exceeding its initial 3,500 euros target.
Campaign founder Danique de Jong, 29, said the funds will increase visibility through digital highway billboards and screens while supporting concrete measures for women’s safety.
De Jong, also a member of the feminist group Dolle Mina, told NOS that, “You often see attention for this subject fade after a week without action. With this campaign, I want to address the underlying problem: that our society long ago decided women are worth less than men. It is time for that to change.”
Sales of self-defense products have also surged in the wake of Lisa’s death. Producers report that items such as the X-Marker “smurfenspray” are completely sold out. The sprays, which create a blue foam on an attacker to give victims time to escape, are in high demand.
René van Gemert, who sells the spray, told RTL Nieuws, “In a few days we are through our entire stock of thousands of units. That is really regrettable. The reason is extremely unfortunate. What is happening now is simply symptom treatment. Women shouldn’t have to buy these products themselves to feel safe on the street. Real change is needed.”
Pliester spray, intended for minor wounds but effective at close range, is also sold out both online and in stores.
Additionally, catholic churches in Amsterdam will observe a moment of silence for Lisa, other victims, and anyone threatened or attacked because of appearance, race, sexuality, religion, or other factors.
Deken Eric Fennis of Amsterdam said, “Under no circumstances should a woman feel unsafe. Unfortunately, this still happens every day, sometimes with far-reaching consequences such as femicide. This stands in stark contrast to what the gospel teaches and requires society and the church to take strong measures to prevent it. Let women be safe.”
Organizers are also developing outreach materials aimed at men to encourage active support for women’s safety. They plan to meet with experts, organizations, and political leaders to develop practical solutions.
