News report | 28-01-2026 | 07:00

A new investigative method for strangulation attempts in domestic violence cases has now been used 78 times in criminal investigations. Last week, for the first time, a case using this new method was presented to the court. This immediately led to a conviction for attempted manslaughter. Strangulation attempts are one of the main red flags for escalation of domestic violence and sometimes even femicide.

New approach

The Public Prosecution Service (OM), the police, and the National Research and Expertise Bureau FMO (LOEF) started a new approach in September 2025 to quickly carry out additional forensic medical examinations on victims of strangulation attempts. It is important that this additional examination is conducted by LOEF within 48 hours after the strangulation attempt.

This is important because strangulation attempts often show little external signs, while internal damage may have been caused. If internal injuries are demonstrated, this is an important step for establishing the truth in domestic violence cases. It also contributes to determining the severity of the case and thus the sentence.

First results

So far, the method has been applied in 78 criminal investigations, mostly in domestic violence cases. This has so far led to 23 requests by the Public Prosecution Service for additional injury interpretation research by LOEF. In the first case where such research was used as evidence, the court in East Brabant last week convicted for attempted manslaughter. The suspect was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment (20 suspended) and among other things a restraining order. The public prosecutor had demanded 48 months (24 suspended).

Important step

Judith van Schoonderwoerd den Bezemer (national public prosecutor for domestic violence and sexual offenses): ‘The first results of this approach give a worrying picture of the extent of this problem. Until now, this form of potentially life-threatening violence was difficult to prove. Suspects were often convicted of simple assault, which does not do justice to what the victims experienced. We are convinced that this approach is an important step in tackling violence against women. This case also shows that.’

Follow-up

The new approach started in the Central Netherlands region, followed by East Netherlands and East Brabant. Currently, work is underway to expand to other regions. The investigative method is continuously evaluated and improved where possible. LOEF will also conduct scientific research on non-fatal strangulation based on these criminal cases.

Femicide

This approach is part of a broader strategy to prevent femicide. Women are much more often victims of murders committed by a (former) partner than men. In 2024, 24 murder and manslaughter cases with a female victim were reported to the Public Prosecution Service, and 49 cases of attempts thereof.