Sexual assault and rape
Sexual assaultSexual assaultSexual contact against someone’s will without penetration. For example, unwanted touching, caressing or kissing.Read more
Sexual assault is any sexual act against someone’s will without penetrationPenetrationPutting a part of your body (penis, finger, etc.) or an object into…Read more. The victimVictimSomeone who suffers from something which is not their fault.Read more does not give consent to this act. A person is punishable by lawLawRules which decide what you may and may not do. Every country has…Read more if they knew or could have known the other did not want to. Sexual assault can happen without physical violence or threats. For instance: if the victim does not resist and lets it happen because they are afraid.
In the Netherlands, sexual assault is forbidden by lawForbidden by lawIf an action is forbidden by law, the law says that you must…Read more.
The maximum prison sentence for sexual assault is 8 years imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the sexual assault, but this can be increased to a maximum of 13 years if the victim is a child.
RapeRapeHaving sexual contact with penetration against someone's will. The penetration can happen with part…Read more
Rape is every type of sexual act against someone’s will with penetration (sexual intercourseSexual intercourseSexual act in which the penis penetrates (enters) the vagina or anus.Read more, oral sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more or anal sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more). The penetration can happen with part of the body or an object. The victim does not give consent to this act. Someone is punishable by law if they knew or could have known that the other did not want to. Rape can happen with physical violence or threats, but also without, for instance: if the victim does not resist and lets it happen because they are afraid.
Rape is a criminal offence in the Netherlands. For rape, the sentence can be up to 12 years. If the victim is a child or in case of other aggravating circumstances, the prison sentence can go up to 18 years.
It is important to realise that sexually transgressive behaviour and sexual violenceSexual violenceCoercing someone with violence, usually physical, into having sex. For example, assaulting or raping…Read more are never the victim’s fault. The one who crosses the line is at fault.
Seeking help
It is important not to wait to seek help. Maybe a friend or somebody you trust can help you.
After rape or indecent assaultIndecent assaultForced sexual contact without penetration. For example, unwanted touching, caressing or kissing.Read more you can go to your general practitioner. You can also (anonymously) contact Centrum voor Seksueel Geweld (centre for sexual violence). Here you can obtain medical, psychological and legal support.
You can also go to the police immediately to make a report. They are obliged to respectRespectFeeling of appreciation for a person. If you respect another person, you think…Read more your privacyPrivacyRight to give information to someone without this person passing on this information…Read more. It is important that you report the rape or indecent assault as soon as possible after it happened (preferably within 72 hours). The police can then secure traces such as sperm or bloodBloodRed fluid that has important functions in the body, for example: carrying oxygen…Read more. Make an appointment with the police via telephone number 0900-8844. If you are afraid of further violence, the police can protect you. The police are obliged to treat you in a respectful and correct way.
According to the law, if you are without legal residence status, the police have to treat you with the same respect as other victims. The police will not arrest you if do not have a residence permit, and you can make a report anonymously. You can ask a social worker or other professional to accompany you.
If you are in an emergency situationEmergency situationA situation in which urgent action is required. For exampe: if a woman…Read more and are afraid more violence will take place, call 112.
You can go to a Blijf van mijn Lijf huis (shelter).
Help for perpetrators
If you feel you have been violent in a relationshipRelationshipWhen 2 people are in a relationship, they have a bond with each…Read more or you feel there is a riskRiskPossibility that something unpleasant may happen, for example a disease.Read more that you will become violent towards another person, you can seek help. Therapy can help you to talk about your feelings and behaviour and to prevent you from becoming violent (again).