On December 18, the Court of First Instance will hold a special thematic session focused on relational violence. During this session, five criminal cases will be heard, each involving defendants accused of assaulting their intimate partner — in some instances repeatedly, resulting in serious injuries.
With this thematic hearing, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) aims to emphasize that relational violence is not minimized, but is taken seriously and actively prosecuted. While minor cases may sometimes be settled through a TOM hearing (a settlement procedure by the prosecution), serious cases are consistently brought before the court.
Since 2022, the OM has implemented the “Directive on Relational Violence”, which defines how police and prosecutors should respond to such cases. The directive focuses on recognizing, stopping, and preventing relational violence, increasing victims’ willingness to report, and ensuring the safety of victims.
Children hold a particularly vulnerable position in situations of relational violence. They are often witnesses to the violence at home, suffering deep and lasting emotional consequences. In the OM’s approach, such children are always regarded as victims.
The term “relational violence” intentionally replaces “domestic violence”, to clarify that it refers to violence within family or intimate relationships, regardless of the living situation. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse, as well as stalking and threats. Both women and men, minors and the elderly, can be victims or perpetrators.
Through this session, the Public Prosecutor’s Office aims to send a clear and powerful message:
Relational violence must be stopped and punished.
Press Release: Het Openbaar Ministerie