Violence and Women

There are different forms of violence against women:

• Emotional and psychological violence
• Economic violence
• Honor-related violence
• Physical violence

Emotional and psychological violence

In the Netherlands, psychological violence is not yet explicitly punishable separately. Perpetrators are primarily prosecuted when it occurs in combination with physical or sexual violence. This means that partners, employers, or colleagues can harass, intimidate, and threaten women daily, without any criminal consequences. In cases of intimate partner violence, the psychological and emotional aspects of the violence are often overlooked in criminal proceedings. Reports are often only filed when physical violence is also involved.

How do you prove psychological abuse? In cases of intimate partner violence, it’s important to collect concrete evidence, such as videos or text messages.

Economic violence

Economic violence involves financial dependence, for example, on your partner or family. This is common across cultures. Victims of economic violence are prohibited from working or face wage cuts. Economic violence can range from academic sabotage (someone doing everything possible to prevent a woman from developing) to incurring debts in the victim’s name.

Leaving a troubled relationship costs money. It’s a major problem if you don’t have access to a debit card. It also has emotional repercussions. You’re being held back if you don’t have access to money or can’t decide how to spend it. Don’t underestimate the impact.

An end to all violence against women

Sexual violence

Psychological violence

Orange the World illuminates large buildings with orange light to draw attention to violence against women.

IWEE organizes demonstrations to protest violence against women.