Vught tackles hidden violence against women with community action and new reporting initiatives
Over 100 Vught residents joined a local event to address violence against women, a widespread issue often hidden for years. The municipality is introducing new measures to encourage reporting and improve safety in public spaces, aiming to break the silence and protect victims.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Open Vughtse Spreektafel |
| Date | January 22, 2026 |
| Location | Elzenburg, Vught |
| Attendance | Over 100 residents |
| Speakers | University lecturer Jeanette Satink, municipal reps, police |
| National Avg. Incidents | 36 incidents before first police report |
| Helpline | Veilig Thuis: 0800 - 2000 or www.veiligthuis.nl |
| Emergency Number | 112 |
| New Initiative | Municipal reporting point for feelings of insecurity in public spaces |
| Focus Areas | Lighting, greenery on cycling routes, Carnival safety |
The municipality of Vught plays a key role in local safety initiatives, collaborating with residents, police, and social organizations to address violence against women. Its responsibility includes creating safe public spaces and facilitating reporting mechanisms to support victims and prevent further harm.
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Women's Safety and Violence Against Women
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, the ‘Open Vughtse Spreektafel’ event took place at Elzenburg. The meeting focused on the topic of ‘women's safety and violence against women’. Attendance was high, with over 100 residents participating in the event! During the evening, speakers included university lecturer Jeanette Satink, municipal representatives, and the police.
A Structural Problem, Even in Vught!
Violence against women is not an isolated incident but a structural societal problem. It occurs in all neighbourhoods, age groups, and social classes—including in Vught. Unfortunately, violence often remains hidden for a long time. Nationally, there are an average of 36 incidents before the first report is made to the police!
Making a report can contribute to safety, assistance, and recovery.
Safe and Trusted Reporting!
The message of the evening was clear: violence against women is not a private problem or an isolated incident. It is a societal issue. As a municipality, we are not focusing on forcing victims to report but rather on removing barriers. Creating safety, trust, and recognition. Reporting is often the first step toward safety—for yourself, a neighbour, a friend, or children. By being alert together and taking responsibility, we can move from silence to reporting and from insecurity to protection. This is of great importance. In the coming period, the municipality, together with partners, will pay extra attention to increasing the willingness to report.
Safety in Public Spaces
The evening also addressed the safety and sense of security of all residents—particularly women—in public spaces, and this remains a priority. Around Carnival, we focused on checking lighting and greenery along frequently used cycling routes and provided residents with tips to get home safely. We also actively promoted the ‘saome uit, saome thuis’ initiative in the municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch, allowing everyone to cycle home together from the city centre during Carnival. Additionally, we plan to launch a pilot for a municipal reporting point for feelings of insecurity in public spaces. This will ensure that such reports receive appropriate attention and, where possible, follow-up. More information on this will be announced soon.
Need Help or Concerned About Someone?
Are you worried about someone in your community? Or do you need help yourself? Call Veilig Thuis: 0800 - 2000 or visit www.veiligthuis.nl. They can provide (anonymous) advice or, where necessary and desired, initiate assistance. In acute situations of danger, always call the police at 112.