Crisis Help in the Netherlands: 10 Must-Know Resources

Going through domestic violence, homelessness, or mental health issues can be scary and isolating—but you are not alone, and the Netherlands has many crisis help centers to help. Be it for immediate intervention, domestic violence shelter, or just to talk, confidential multilingual crisis help resources are available in the Netherlands for both expats and locals. These are the places to call if you or someone you know experiences domestic violence or a mental health crisis.

It goes without saying that if you’re in immediate physical danger, contact the Dutch emergency services on 112.

Veilig Thuis

Veilig Thuis (“Safe at Home”) is the national advice hotline and reporting center for any form of domestic violence or child abuse. You can call them if you are a victim, a concerned relative or bystander, and even if you worry about your own harmful behaviors. They provide advice and support regarding all forms of domestic violence (physical coercion, sexual abuse, mental abuse, intimidation, economic deprivation). They can give advice, conduct investigations, interventions, or assist in organizing further support.

Contact: Call 0800-2000 (free and available 24 hours a day). You can also use a live chat, which is open from 09:00.-17:00. on weekdays.

Blijf Groep

Blijf Groep provides crisis and domestic violence shelter, residential support, and counseling for victims, children, witnesses, and even perpetrators of violence. Every case is approached individually and according to its specific details. Services include emergency housing (in North Holland and Flevoland) and individual care plans. The client may be supported in their own home by this organization, or taken into a crisis shelter when the person or persons are at immediate risk.

Contact: 088 234 24 50 (help and advice), the line is open 24/7, and 088 234 24 00 (general information). Email info@blijfgroep.nl, or visit them at Tollensstraat 59a, 1053 RS, Amsterdam.

Victim Support Netherlands (Slachtofferhulp Nederland)

With physical locations up and down the country, Victim Support Netherlands provides emotional support, legal advice, and practical assistance to victims of domestic violence and various other crimes. They can help you with your rights, police reports, and court procedures, or guide you toward getting compensation. The support is free, confidential, and available in English. They can also be contacted when you have been a victim of fraud, assault, burglary and theft, sex assault, or road traffic accident and need the appropriate information.

Contact: 0900 01 01 (standard rate) from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. Or ring 088 746 00 00; they can call you back within three working days. Alternatively, fill in this form:

Fier

Specialized in addressing violence, trafficking, and exploitation, Fier offers both emergency shelter and long-term assistance for those who suffered at the hands of of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other abuses – with a special emphasis on supporting young victims of forced marriage and so-called honor-based violence, particularly through its Zahir specialized care program, which assists individuals aged 12 and over at risk or who have experienced these forms of abuse.

Contact: 058 – 215 70 84, the line is open 24/7, live chat and email

Arosa

Primarily based in Rotterdam and neighboring areas, they offer 24-hour crisis accommodation, outpatient care, and various counseling and empowerment programs designed to meet each client’s needs, and to break violent cycles. With a focus on the prevention and sustainable ending of domestic violence, shelter is provided for women, men, and children who have been victims of domestic and sexual violence. The organization also deals with exploitation and human trafficking cases.

Contact: 010 820 08 40, email – bureaudienst@arosa-zhz.nl. Aelbrechtskade 195, 3023 JM Rotterdam.

Moviera

Moviera provides at-home support and crisis shelter in the provinces of Gelderland and Utrecht for individuals and families who cannot stay safely at home, with a focus on restoring security within families and preventing repeat violence. Shelters contain flexible living spaces and communal living areas designed to foster recovery and rebuild relationships (where possible).

Contact: 0883 744 744, open 24/7, email: info@moviera.nl. Halstraat 56 , 7321 AH, Apeldoorn.

Perspektief

Providing crisis accommodation, counseling, and reintegration services for people who are domestic violence victims, homeless, and those unable to live independently, they support individuals through home visits, helping to restore meaning and independence to those in need with a strong focus on recovery and reintegration into social life. With facilities and branches across the country, including the Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft, they collaborate with multiple partners to help streamline support for vulnerable groups.

Contact: 070 3925774 (domestic violence) or 015 2841000 (general), or email at info@perspektief.nl. Kalfjeslaan 2 (4e etage), 2623 AA, Delft.

Het Juridisch Loket

Het Juridisch Loket is a nationwide organization that offers free legal advice to low-income individuals with minimal assets, addressing various legal matters, including employment, dismissal, housing, consumer rights, divorce, and changes to social benefits. Founded in 2004 and financed by the Ministry of Justice and Safety, the organization acts as the initial contact—think of them as a “legal GP” for people who need a starting point to help them understand the basic rights and options that they may have. If legal representation is required, they can refer to a lawyer or mediator.

Contact: 0800-8020 (free), Monday to Friday 0900 – 1700, or book an appointment at a location.

MIND Korrelatie

Offering anonymous psychological and mental illness support, MIND Korrelatie connects people to trained social workers and psychologists for professional emotional support. You’ll be given a 30 minute slot to ask you questions, discuss your situation and be informed what help is available and where to go next. Professionals provide help via the phone, email, or WhatsApp, making support easily accessible to all.

Contact: 0900-1450 (normal charges), Monday to Friday 0900 – 2100.

De luisterlijn

Need someone to talk with? Trained volunteers at De Luisterlijn will listen to you and give you advice (in Dutch). De Luisterlijn offers confidential, non-judgmental listening services to anyone who wants a chance to share their worries, sadness, or loneliness, anonymously. Staffed by a trained team of volunteers who listen, provide encouragement, and offer insights to those inquiring, they do not directly provide solutions or advice; instead, they are there for an empathetic and respectful conversation. More than 300,000 conversations were facilitated in 2023 alone by De Luisterlijn. If you’re facing a crisis, feeling isolated, or need a listening ear, De Luisterlijn will be there to listen.

Contact: 088 0767 000, open 24/7. Email: ehulp@deluisterlijn.nl and info@deluisterlijn.nl (general)

Read Also: An Expat’s Guide to Dutch Emergency Numbers

Getting help can be life-changing. Domestic abuse support and resources can provide not only shelter but also the strength to fight back to regain autonomy. The Netherlands, fortunately, is equipped with an extensive network of services and crisis help centers available to anyone in need, whether an expat, foreign national, or local. Domestic violence thrives as long as it goes on in silence. Be aware, care, act, and spread awareness.