Veilig Thuis seeks €70 million to clear growing domestic abuse backlog
The national safety network Veilig Thuis says it cannot guarantee timely action on abuse reports and is asking the cabinet for €70 million to hire staff and reform its processes.
People who alert authorities to possible child abuse or domestic violence are facing an average two-month wait before Veilig Thuis can act, and the agency admits it may miss the legally required five-day safety assessment in many cases. Reports rose 5 % to 136,000 last year, and the waiting list in Zeeland grew from just over 30 to almost 400 within months. The backlog is linked to broader shortages in youth-care services, which leave vulnerable families without timely help.
In response, the national network of organisations has asked the cabinet for €70 million over the coming years to recruit additional staff and implement reforms. Minister Mirjam Sterk said she will meet local officials and Veilig Thuis to discuss the request, while parliament will debate the health budget that funds the agency next week.
Why it matters
Delays in responding to abuse reports put vulnerable children and partners at continued risk of harm.
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