On Tuesday, November 25, the town hall and other buildings in Haarlem will be lit orange. This aligns with Orange the World, the international campaign for the safety of women and girls. This also marks the start of our Recognize the Signs campaign.
With this campaign, we ask our residents to take action when they have concerns about someone in their environment. Every 8 days, a woman is murdered in the Netherlands, usually by her partner or ex-partner. Often because she decides to leave the relationship. This occurs across all layers of society, regardless of background, education, or religion.
Lowering the threshold for help
We want to lower the threshold for people to ask for help and report signals. Because all signals together can make the pattern more visible. Alderman Diana van Loenen: Every day, women face violence, often behind closed doors, in their own homes. A place where you should feel safe. That must stop! When you, as a family member, friend, or neighbor, recognize these signals, take action. You can make a difference.
Red flags
When women or girls are in a dangerous situation, there are often recognizable signs for family or friends. Think of breaking contact, threats, extreme jealousy, or a partner who frequently calls to check where someone is. These are called red flags.
It is important to take action if you recognize the signs in someone around you before it gets worse. For example, by starting a conversation, sharing your concerns, or asking for advice. Such behavior is not only strange; it can be life-threatening. On the website PreventFemicide(link is external) you can find out how to take action.
About the campaign
The Recognize the Signs campaign was set up in collaboration with Blijf Groep, Veilig Thuis, Reclassering Nederland, police, and the municipalities of Zandvoort, Beverwijk, Bloemendaal, Heemskerk, Heemstede, and Velsen. These municipalities will also implement the campaign in the coming weeks.
On December 3, 2025, we will organize an inspiring networking evening at De Koepel with the theme ‘Municipalities in action: Safe, everywhere and always’. More information and registration can be found in the news article Sustained attention for womens safety.
