Suspecting child abuse or domestic violence — who do I report to?
When concerned about a child or domestic violence: (1) Call Veilig Thuis 0800-2000 — free, 24/7, confidential and anonymous possible. Covers child abuse, partner violence, elder abuse. (2) Life-threatening now: 112. (3) Veilig Thuis decides if investigation is needed — no reporting duty for citizens, but for healthcare workers (reporting code). Veilig Thuis can speak to family without naming you. (4) On doubt: Veilig Thuis offers free advice call — you don't need to formally report, just call to discuss. (5) For the child themselves: Kindertelefoon 0800-0432 (free, 24/7, children only). For schools: Centre for Youth and Family (CJG) has care coordinator.
Step by step
- 1Assess immediate dangerLife-threatening (violence, severe neglect, child in immediate danger): call 112. Otherwise: can be done calmly via Veilig Thuis.
- 2Call Veilig Thuis 0800-2000Free, 24/7. First an advice call possible — you don't need to formally report, can discuss first. Your data is treated confidentially.
- 3Describe what you observedConcrete and factual: dates, behaviour, audible arguments, bruises, child withdrawn. No assumption-interpretations (“maybe”), just facts (“heard 22:00 shouting argument”).
- 4Veilig Thuis investigatesYour report assessed within 5 working days. On suspicion: home visit by specialists. You stay anonymous. On severity: police + youth protection engaged.
- 5Follow up if neededOn doubt or delay: call back, request case number. For healthcare-tip with reporting code: city must have suitable trajectory within 3 weeks. Complaint: IGJ.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can I report anonymously to Veilig Thuis?
Yes. You can withhold your name (“anonymous report”). Useful to give name if Veilig Thuis has questions. Your name is never shared with family members without your consent.
What if I'm wrong about my suspicion?
Veilig Thuis handles this professionally: insufficient grounds, investigation closes quickly. Citizens aren't penalised for well-intentioned reports that don't pan out. Better to over-report than under-report.
Do schools or GPs have reporting duty?
Not legally required to report, but a reporting-code duty: questionnaire walk-through, possibly peer consultation, and on high probability: report to Veilig Thuis. Inspectorate investigation on non-compliance.
What happens after the report?
Veilig Thuis makes safety plan. Light case: parent coaching. Severe: family guardian via Youth Care Bureau or even out-of-home placement via court. Very severe: police report. Whole process 4-26 weeks, reporter gets no updates unless requested.
What if my report isn't taken seriously?
Request case number + reason for closure. Complaint to Veilig Thuis management (within 6 wks). On serious suspicion + closed case: re-report with new info, or directly to Healthcare Inspection (IGJ).
Can I speak directly to a neighbour kid?
With one question (“Are you OK?”): yes, friendly. Don't interrogate or take with you. On suspicion: report to Veilig Thuis. Can acutely protect on danger (lead child to safe spot). No long interventions yourself.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.
- “report child abuse NL”
- “Veilig Thuis hotline anonymous”
- “concerned about neighbour kid”
- “domestic violence report Netherlands”
- “Kindertelefoon child helpline”