Netherlands expands centralized support centers to fight violence against women
Dutch municipalities are increasing efforts to combat violence against women through centralized support centers, modeled on Filomena, a Dutch center where victims can report abuse directly and receive coordinated legal, medical, and psychological help from forensic doctors, lawyers, social organizations, and police under one roof, Rijnmond reports.
Drenthe province recently allocated 750,000 euros to establish a support center, likely in Assen, which could expand to other locations after a three-year trial.
Cases of femicide continue in the region, including the recent killing of 72-year-old Ida from Assen, whose 80-year-old spouse is the suspect. Her body was discovered in the Noord-Willemskanaal near Tynaarlo.
The Filomena model, launched in Rotterdam in 2020 after the murder of 16-year-old Hümeyra, has expanded to Groningen and Tilburg, with an Amsterdam branch planned for March 2026. The centers also serve surrounding regions, with hundreds of people seeking assistance since opening.
Marian Stoppelenburg, whose daughter was murdered by her partner, emphasized the need for centralized support: “Most women do not speak out and remain trapped in a cycle of violence. Points like Filomena are commendable and necessary. It is good that the perpetrator also receives help, because that is the ultimate solution, though also the most difficult.”
National data show 1.3 million Dutch residents aged 16 and older were victims of domestic violence in 2024. Men and women are affected at similar rates, but women experience repeated abuse and prolonged coercive control more often.
Every eight days, a woman is killed in the Netherlands, usually by a current or former partner. Extended periods of coercive control often precede such murders.
Municipalities including Amsterdam, Dordrecht, The Hague, Breda, and Arnhem are exploring or advancing plans to implement the Filomena model. Richard de Mos, Hart voor Den Haag council member, said, “We see in Rotterdam that it works. Everything is under one roof. Women in need must be helped.”
Filomena manager Tanya Hoogwerf said, “People are desperately seeking help and fall through the gaps of the system. We have all the knowledge in-house. The case is discussed by all connected organizations, and a support plan is created covering legal, medical, and psychological help. We speak with all involved, including the perpetrator. That way, patterns are broken.”
