Domestic Violence Support Service

Published: 17 June 2010 Modified: 18 June 2010

The Domestic Violence Support Service (Steunpunt Huiselijk Geweld) in the greater Hague area is there for anyone who is directly or indirectly affected by domestic violence. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is your life affected by domestic violence? Do you suspect that something is going on in your direct surroundings? Domestic violence is more common than we think. It can happen to anyone: your neighbours, your family, your friends, your children’s friends. Even you.

The Domestic Violence Support Service offers help and advice aimed at stopping domestic violence. It is obliged to a confidentiality agreement. No information is provided to others without your express permission.

Mental abuse

Domestic violence does not always involve physical violence or abuse. Sometimes it’s about humiliation, mental or sexual abuse, or financial extortion. The abuse can persist over months or years. When ‘home’ is no longer a safe place for the victim or for children who witness domestic violence, the situation can have a traumatic impact on all involved.

Difficult to discuss

Perpetrators can include parents, former spouses, girlfriends or boyfriends, children or relatives. This makes it a difficult subject to discuss for bystanders as well. Yet talking about it is the first step towards ending the violence.

Steunpunt Huiselijk Geweld listens and helps. It provides support or puts you in contact with other organisations which can help. Are you a victim of domestic violence or do you know that it’s going on? If so, call the Steunpunt. Because there’s always something you can do.