Forced into marriage or forced to stay abroad
Are you about to go abroad and think you may be forced into marriage or forced to stay there? Or has this happened already? The steps you need to take depend on where you are.
I am still in the Netherlands
- If you need help immediately, for instance because you’re about to board a plane, call 112.
- If you are not in immediate danger, call the Veilig Thuis (‘Safe at Home’) domestic violence advice and reporting centre on 0800 2000.
- If you are unable to make a phone call, use the chat feature on the Veilig Thuis website.
If you think you won’t be able to stay in the Netherlands, try to sort out the following things before you leave. This will make it easier for you to return to the Netherlands.
- Gather proof of all your personal details before you leave (this includes a recent passport photo, a photocopy or scan of your passport, address details, your citizen service number (BSN)).
- Write a message explaining your situation. You can email this message to someone you trust before you leave.
- You might want to seek help from someone you trust, such as your doctor, a teacher or a friend. Or get advice from the National Expertise Centre on Forced Marriage and Abandonment (LKHA) or Veilig Thuis.
- Download the Dutch government’s Travel App (Reisapp) (information in Dutch). This app contains the contact details of all Dutch embassies and consulates worldwide. These details are also available offline.
I am outside the Netherlands
Try to stay calm. Don’t tell anyone that you are trying to get help. This may put you in a dangerous position. When it’s safe to do so, contact the Dutch embassy through NetherlandsWorldwide.
- You can do this by sending us a WhatsApp message on +31 857 737 400.
- Or you can call the NetherlandsWorldwide contact centre on +31 247 247 247. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How can I get help to return to the Netherlands?
If you have been abandoned abroad the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can help you return to the Netherlands. The ministry works in close cooperation with the National Expertise Centre on Forced Marriage and Abandonment (LKHA) to do this. You can get help to find temporary accommodation. Or to obtain a travel document, for instance.
Help for someone else
If you know someone who has been abandoned or forced into marriage abroad,contact the National Expertise Centre on Forced Marriage and Abandonment (LKHA) on +31 70 345 4319 or LKHA@veiligthuishaaglanden.nl. You can also contact the LKHA for advice. You can do this anonymously if you wish.
Abandonment is when you are left behind abroad against your will. You may have no way of returning to the Netherlands independently.
This could happen during a holiday or trip to visit family. Your family or others might take away your passport, telephone or money. They might pressure you to stay at a boarding school or live with other family members. You might be not allowed to have contact with people in the Netherlands or return there.
Forced marriage means that you are not allowed to choose who you marry. Instead, your parents or other relatives choose someone for you and force you to marry them.
If you are having trouble coping after what has happened, contact Victim Support Netherlands. This organisation is experienced in supporting people in similar situations to your own.
Contact Victim Support Netherlands