Have you experienced something illegal? For example violence or theft? You can go to the police for help. Here are some tips to assist you in contacting the police.

Step 1: Contact with the police and assistance

• Are you in danger right now or has the incident just happened? Then call 112 for help.
   
• Have you experienced sexual violence? Seek medical help as soon as possible. For example, through the Center for Sexual Violence. A support worker can help you with an STD test, a pregnancy test, and collecting evidence.
   
• Are you not in immediate danger? Then make an appointment to file a report or make a statement. This way, you will be directed to the right officer as quickly as possible.
   
• Have you experienced sexual violence? You should go to the police's vice department. There, officers who specialize in sexual violence will assist you. They will also help with gathering evidence from your body.
   
• Ask for help from a friend, family member, or a support worker. They can also accompany you to the police station if you prefer. Here you can find a list of support workers who are knowledgeable about sex work.

Step 2: Preparation

• Prepare well for the appointment. Write down exactly what happened, where it took place, the date, and the time.
   
• Gather evidence: Take photos of injuries and damage. Do you need help with that? You can get assistance at the Center for Sexual Violence or from your GP.
   
• Are you afraid to go to the police? For example, because you don't have a residence permit? This is what you need to know: during the appointment, the police will not arrest you or refer you to the immigration police. However, your residence status will be recorded in the police system. This may cause issues for you later. Talk to a support worker about this.

Step 3: Filing a report or making a statement

• You always have the right to file a report. Filing a report means you state that you are a victim of a crime and want the police to investigate. The advantage is that there is a chance the perpetrator will be punished. You also have a better chance of receiving compensation. The downside is that the investigation can be difficult for you. For example, you may have to repeatedly explain what exactly happened. Also, the chances of the perpetrator being punished are small.
   
• Don't want to file a report? You can also make a statement. This means that you inform the police about what happened. The police can then keep an eye out, but they won't conduct an official investigation. With only a statement, the perpetrator will not be punished.
   
• Sometimes the police can have a "stop conversation" with the perpetrator. This means that officers will speak to the perpetrator to ensure they stop their harmful behavior. This can happen even without a formal report.
   
• Not sure whether to file a report or make a statement? Talk to a support worker or police officer. They can help you decide which option is best for you.
   
• Don’t speak Dutch well? Then you have the right to an interpreter. The police must arrange and pay for that.

Read more about filing a report 

Step 4: After filing a report

• Have you filed a report? Then the police will start an investigation. Officers will ask you many questions about what exactly happened and will conduct further investigations.
   
• Is there enough evidence? Then the perpetrator can go to court.
   
• Is there not enough evidence? Then the police will stop the investigation.
   
• You have the right to information about the progress of your report. The police will keep you informed.
   
• You are entitled to free support, even if you don’t file a report or if the investigation is stopped. For example, through Victim Support Netherlands.

If contact with the police goes wrong

• Are you not being properly helped by the police? For example, does an officer make unpleasant comments about your work? Or does the police refuse to file your report? Then address the officer directly about it.
   
• If speaking up doesn't help, you can file a complaint. To do so, use this form (in Dutch).
   
• If filing a complaint doesn’t work, the Complaints Desk for Sex Workers can assist you.