Domestic Violence in the Netherlands During the First 15 Weeks of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions on domestic violence levels and characteristics in the Netherlands. Using data from the Dutch Public Prosecution Service's "as soon as possible" (ZSM) system, the study compares domestic violence incidents reported in a major Dutch city during the first 15 weeks of the pandemic to a similar pre-pandemic period. Contrary to findings in other countries, the study found no significant increase in reported domestic violence incidents during the pandemic. While the nature of violence remained consistent, some variations were observed in reciprocity, location of incidents, and reporting methods. The involvement of minors also showed a non-significant increase. The study acknowledges limitations related to data reliance on official reports and the absence of a control group, but concludes that, during this initial phase of the pandemic in the Netherlands, the anticipated surge in domestic violence did not materialize.

Joke M. Harte