Reporting child abuse and domestic violence

Are you a professional working with families, children, or adults? And do you suspect child abuse or domestic violence? You must report this following a special protocol.

Mandatory protocol

If you suspect, for example, physical, psychological or sexual violence, abuse, or neglect you must follow a protocol (Meldcode, in Dutch). Each organisation develops its own protocol but it must contain the following steps:

1. Identify the signs. You can use Kindcheck (in Dutch) to identify child abuse.
2. Consult a colleague and if necessary consult your local or regional Safe at Home (Veilig Thuis) centre.
3. Speak to the people involved in the situation, for example a parent or guardian.
4. Determine the severity of the abuse using the protocol checklist (in Dutch).
5. Make 2 decisions and follow up: (1) Do I need to report to Veilig Thuis (in Dutch)? (2) Can I organise or provide assistance myself?

The Model Protocol for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse offers information on the mandatory steps to respond to signs of child abuse or domestic violence.

You can also check the Toolkit Protocol for Child Abuse and Domestic Violence (in Dutch) to help you develop a protocol.

You must record all the steps you have taken in a file, such as a client file or pupil file, or other recording system.

Which sectors must use the protocol?

The protocol is obligatory in the following sectors:

• healthcare
• education
• childcare
• social work
• youth care
• the (criminal) justice system

As an employer, you must adopt, implement, and communicate the protocol to employees in your organisation.

When to report abuse to Veilig Thuis?

If you suspect child abuse or domestic violence, you must report to Veilig Thuis (in Dutch) if:

• the danger is acute (direct danger)
• the danger is structural (persistent danger)

In other cases you decide if you can offer help yourself or if you can organise help.

Do you start a counselling procedure for suspected child abuse? You must register your plan with Veilig Thuis in your province (in Dutch). If it is not possible to offer help, you must report to Veilig Thuis as well.

In case of suspected child abuse, you should also talk to the child and explain the steps you take from the protocol. The guide on child participation in the protocol (handreiking participatie van kinderen in de meldcode, in Dutch) can help you with this.

Confidential inspector for childcare

Are you an employer in the childcare sector? And do you suspect an employee of (sexual) child abuse? You must contact a Confidential Inspector with the Dutch Inspectorate of Education (Inspectie van het Onderwijs). They also provide counselling to employees and parents.