The increase in the number of sexual offenses may be due to the Sexual Offenses Act, which has been in effect since July 1, 2024. Before that time, the perpetrator was only punishable if force was used, such as violence. Since July 1, 2024, there is a quicker determination of punishability, namely if there are indications of a lack of will (editors note: on the part of the victim) and the perpetrator continues, says sexual offense expert Lidewijde van Lier. Coercion is no longer a requirement for punishability. The law has also been expanded with the article on sex chatting, which criminalizes sexually charged communication with children.

Regarding the recent serious sexual offenses, Lidewijde says: In the vast majority of sexual crimes, the victim and perpetrator know each other. The so-called phenomenon of stranger rape, where a victim is suddenly pulled into the bushes, fortunately occurs very rarely.

Media attention

In the first half of 2025, the number of sexual offense reports totaled 7912; 1144 more than in the first half of 2024. An increase of 17 percent. This increase, according to Van Lier, is mainly due to the attention to the subject of sexual violence and the societal debate surrounding it. Victims seem more willing to seek help and take steps to the police more quickly. We see that as a positive development.

More options for help

Reporting is always good, says Van Lier. She does see that people who report often do not know whether the incident is punishable. The reporting pattern is about the same as in 2024. Even then, we received reports about cases that are not punishable under the law. The difference is that we can now help more often. We can clarify that more is punishable, and just that provides victims with the necessary recognition. And now you can file a report in more cases.

Victim assistance

In the first six months of this year, the police recorded 2026 reports of sexual offenses. This is 27 percent more than in the first half of 2024, when there were 1591 reports. The sexual offense teams feel that pressure, says the sexual offense expert. Nevertheless, the number of cases under investigation remains constant. That number slightly decreased from 3299 on January 1, 2025, to now 3207. We manage to handle every report carefully. We listen carefully so that we understand well what the victim needs and then provide appropriate help. Sometimes that is a report, and sometimes someone is better off with, for example, restorative mediation.

Investigations take time

Even with a report, it is not always possible to find evidence. It is then important to inform victims correctly and quickly about this. That there are more options, other agencies where you can tell your story and that can help you. If a report does lead to a criminal investigation, it can still take a long time, Van Lier knows. In cases with multiple victims and/or complex evidence, a sexual offense case can quickly take six months or more. Fortunately, there are also cases that go to the Public Prosecution Service much faster - for example, after three months.