Amsterdam is allocating 6 million euros to combat violence against women. The approach focuses on support for victims, a safer public space, and more prevention.

It is a collaboration between the city council, the police, the Public Prosecution Service, and social partners.

Faster and better help for victims

From 2026, the Sexual Violence Center (CSG) will be open 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We are also expanding the services of the Filomena Amsterdam-Amstelland expertise center in 2026. Victims of domestic violence and child abuse can go here for help and investigation. Both centers are open to everyone in the region.

Support

Legal advice will become more accessible, partly by actively informing about the right to a free lawyer. We encourage peer contact so victims have more opportunities to share experiences and find support with others who have gone through the same.

Safer city for women

We are making the 160 most vulnerable places, such as bike routes and metro stations, safer through better lighting, pruning, and redesign. At the beginning of 2026, a trial with safe lighting will start under 3 underpasses at Bullewijkpad.

In new designs, we take into account the needs and experiences of women, for example in the redesign of Plein 40-’45. There will also be a buddy system around the Johan Cruijff ArenA, so visitors can help each other get home safely together.

More attention to prevention

An important part of the approach is prevention. The national campaign ‘Man, say something’ calls on men to make sexual boundary-crossing behavior discussable. The municipality organizes workshops, training, and interventions to break harmful ideas. There is also attention to the influence of the so-called manosphere – online communities where toxic masculinity norms are spread – with education for young people and men. For perpetrators, there will be special interventions and support groups.

Expanded approach to sexual intimidation and sexual violence

The fight against sexual street intimidation receives extra attention, especially in nightlife. Hospitality staff are trained to recognize boundary-crossing behavior. The awareness of the hand gesture or code word ‘Angela’ is also increased so women can more easily ask for help. Innovative tools such as Virtual Reality are used to raise awareness. Additionally, the ROSA approach, aimed at girls at risk of or victims of sexual violence, is further expanded. This allows us to help more and younger girls on time.

More focus on intimate terror and stalking

The safety of women and children is central in the approach to intimate terror, a serious form of structural abuse of power and control. Care providers and social workers receive targeted training to better recognize risks and intervene quickly with appropriate measures. Cooperation between police, Public Prosecution Service, and care partners is also improved to help victims faster and more effectively.

National approach

Amsterdam works intensively with police and the Public Prosecution Service to better protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. At the same time, the municipality emphasizes that structural solutions are only possible nationally.

Need help

  • Anyone who has had an unwanted sexual experience can anonymously call 0800 0188, chat, or visit the Sexual Violence Center.
  • Call Safe at Home (0800 2000) for help or advice if things are not going well in your own family or if you are worried about someone else.

Learn more

Photo: Ramon van Flymen | ANP