Victims of Sexual Crimes Face Long Waiting Times for Justice

Even when the police and Public Prosecution Service (OM) finish their investigations, it still takes about a year before the case is heard in court. This is mainly because the courts in Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland receive more sexual offence cases than they can handle—about sixty too many each year.

The court usually handles these cases in a “multiple chamber” with three judges. These are serious and sensitive cases, which take more time. Because of the high number of cases, many victims are stuck in limbo for months or even years.

Victims like Nadine and Yvonne (not their real names) say the long wait is emotionally exhausting. Nadine even had to go into hiding for a year and a half. "The waiting makes you scared and uncertain," she says. Yvonne adds: "At some point, you start doubting yourself. People around you say it should be over by now."

The foundation No Need to Hide, which supports victims, says this situation often leads to people not reporting sexual crimes at all. "It’s important that victims feel heard and in control, but that’s hard when the process takes so long," says founder Suzanne Harms.

Public prosecutor Rianne Wildeman from the OM in Northern Netherlands also worries about the delays. “It keeps me awake at night,” she says. Suspects also suffer during the wait—they can't get a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG), which is required for many jobs. And if someone is falsely accused, the long wait combined with social media can ruin their reputation.

To shorten the wait, the OM suggests that less serious cases—like unwanted touching or flashing—should be handled by a single police judge instead of a full panel of three. That way, more serious cases can get the attention they need.

Wildeman has tried to make this change, but the court often insists that these cases still be handled by multiple judges. She also suggests organising “morals hearings,” where several similar cases are heard in one day, or focusing on cases where suspects don’t need to be held in custody.

The court has started to speed things up. In the first half of 2025, it scheduled about three times as many sex offence cases for suspects who weren’t in custody compared to the year before. The goal is to continue at this faster pace for the rest of the year, which should help bring down the waiting time.

Still, many feel the system needs deeper change. Faster court handling, better communication with victims, and more flexibility in how cases are managed could help restore trust—for those seeking justice, and for those accused.