Often we get questions in the group what to do and where to go in case of discrimination, violence, etc. For this reason we compiled a document with dutch organizations that might be able to help with services such as legal and emotional assistance. Any contributions are more than welcome.
Disclaimer/note: if you think a website is missing please let us know so we can add it. Any feedback can be directed at me. The links will be added to the website in the future.
Slachtofferwijzer
https://www.slachtofferwijzer.nl/ (they have a translate tool available)
A website to find the different organizations that can help with the following things:
Violence, sexual violence, (traffic) accidents, missing persons, theft.
Slachtofferhulp Nederland: (they use google translate for their translation)
They offer: legal, practical and emotional support and have locations across the country
For: Sexual violence, violence, accidents, domestic abuse, missing persons, theft. Their services are free and you can make an appointment at one of their offices where they inform you in more detail about the support they can offer.
Center sexual violence
https://www.centrumseksueelgeweld.nl/ (dutch website)
The central go-to point in case of any form of sexual violence. They offer a 24/7 hotline for victims for sexual violence and are often found in hospitals as well. You can always contact them, no matter how long ago it happened. They assign you a case manager who specializes in sexual violence and offers assistance(for example they can organize therapy). They will explain you the options you have, for example for pressing charges or storing DNA evidence. In the hospital, they provide medical care and also assist you if you want to leave a statement for the police.
Roze in blauw (police department for LGBTQ discrimination)
https://www.politie.nl/themas/roze-in-blauw.html (website has no English version/tool)
They have contact information for their units across the country
They started this department specially to make it easier for LGBTQ people to take the step to notify the police of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ people. It’s possible to contact them directly and they can also offer meditation in cases.
Meldpunt Islamofobie
The collective against islamophobia and discrimination set up a registration point to monitor and register the cases of islamophobia and discrimination in the Netherlands. They have an online form and phoneline. They offer legal assistance and support for victims of islamophobia.
College voor rechten van de mens
https://www.mensenrechten.nl/mission-and-ambition (they have an English version)
“The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights explains, monitors and protects human rights, promotes respect for human rights (including equal treatment) in practice, policy and legislation, and increases the awareness of human rights in the Netherlands.”
What can the Institute do for you?
Do you have a question about human rights, or would you like to know if you can file your discrimination complaint to The Institute? Or would you like to know what other options are available?
(from the website)
Control alt delete
An organisation against ethnic profiling. They created an application to register cases of ethnic profiling, organize meetings, critical films and workshops. These workshops can be booked for places such as schools and youth organisations.
New Urban collective
NUC is a social enterprise with the mission to empower youngster of diverse backgrounds. They strive to improve the position of this group of people.
They have different projects such as a tutor programme, a summerschool to develop fair-trade chocolate and are also a part of the Black Archives; a historical archive that houses different book collections, artifacts that form a legacy of black writers and scientists. They also host activities like book presentations and film screenings.
Stichting Maruf
http://www.stichtingmaruf.com/ (they have an English version of their website)
Maruf is an organization for queer Muslims, they are backed by the ministry of education and CoC Nederland and are a part of the European queer Muslim network.
“Maruf connects, supports and strengthens queer Muslims and their allies. We give them a voice, visibility and the power to create more social acceptance in their communities. We also raise awareness around sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.”
They offer different programmes that include support for queer refugees, lectures, activities and a queer Muslim empowerment programme.
COC Nederland
“COC Netherlands has been advocating the rights of lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT’s) from 1946 on. COC strives for the decriminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity and for equal rights, emancipation and social acceptance of LGBT’s in the Netherlands and all over the world. COC Netherlands is involved in many aspects of LGBT rights, with a focus on youth & school, 50+, safety, culture & religion and international issues. COC Netherlands is a federation that consists of 21 local associations. So, wherever you live in the Netherlands, there’s always a COC in the neighborhood.”
Platform gehandicapten Zuidoost
This platform is (partly) run by and for people with disabilities. They fight for better accessibility, medical care and better treatment in society. MiND (dutch website) MiND is het landelijke meldpunt voor strafbare, discriminerende uitingen op internet. en “Werkwijze Na het ontvangen van een melding over een discriminerende uiting onderzoekt MiND allereerst of de uiting (nog) online staat. Vervolgens beoordeelt MiND of de uiting strafbaar is op basis van artikel 137c t/m 137e van het Wetboek van Strafrecht en de bijbehorende jurisprudentie. Als dit het geval blijkt, dan verzoekt MiND de beheerder of moderator van de betreffende website om de uiting te verwijderen. Als aan een (herhaald) verzoek geen gehoor wordt gegeven zal MiND een aangiftedossier opstellen voor het Openbaar Ministerie (OM). Het OM kan een strafrechtelijk onderzoek starten naar aanleiding van een aangifte.” (van de website)
For (LGBTQIA) Refugees http://lgbtasylumsupport.nl/en/about-us-3/
“ LGBT Asylum Support is a Dutch NGO (Non-Governmental Organization). We support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) asylum seekers in the Netherlands. We are a link between LGBT refugees and other Dutch organizations to help asylum seekers.” (from their website)
“ Switchboard is the information and support service for the lesbian, gay, bi and transgender community in the Netherlands. We provide a listening ear, comforting words, information on coming out, sexual identity, gender identity, LGBT cultural, social and sport clubs and events and service providers as lawyers, doctors, therapists. Our service by phone, e-mail or chat is free, unbiased and strictly confidential.” (from their website) (http://switchboard.coc.nl/asielzaken/ dutch page about asylum information)