Half of women murdered in Netherlands are killed by a partner — and that hasn't changed in 15 years

The Netherlands recorded its lowest murder toll in three decades in 2025, with 103 victims. But beneath that headline lies a stubborn reality: half of all women killed are murdered by a current or former partner — a proportion that has remained unchanged for 15 years.

New data from Statistics Netherlands (CBS), published on 27 August 2026, shows that between 2021 and 2025, police identified a suspect in 96% of female murder cases. In exactly half of those cases, the suspect was the woman’s partner or ex-partner. Among women aged 20 to 60, that figure rises to 63% Source: NOS.

CBS calls this pattern “femicide” — the killing of a woman because she is a woman — and notes it has been consistent for at least 15 years Source: NL Times.

Overall murder rate at record low

The total number of murder and manslaughter victims in 2025 was 103 (65 men and 38 women), down from 240 in 1996 when CBS began recording. The decline is driven largely by a drop in male victims, which hit a 30-year low Source: DutchNews.

For men, the perpetrator profile is different. A suspect was identified in 86% of male cases. Nearly 30% were killed by an acquaintance, 11% in a criminal underworld settling of scores, and 15% by a stranger Source: NL Times.

Children and cities

CBS also tracked child victims: 24 children under the age of 10 were killed between 2021 and 2025 (13 boys, 11 girls). In 20 of those cases — 83% — the suspected killer was one of the child’s own parents Source: NOS.

Rotterdam recorded the most murders over the five-year period with 65, followed by Amsterdam (62), The Hague (36) and Utrecht (12). The four largest cities together accounted for a quarter of all murder victims nationwide Source: NOS.

What this means for internationals

For expats and internationals living in the Netherlands, the data carries a practical message: domestic violence is a hidden but persistent issue, and it cuts across all backgrounds. The Dutch government funds a national helpline, Veilig Thuis (Safe Home), which offers advice in multiple languages. If you or someone you know is in danger, you can call 0800-2000 (free, 24/7) or visit veiligthuis.nl.

The overall murder rate in the Netherlands is very low by international standards — roughly 0.6 per 100,000 inhabitants — but the risk for women inside their own homes remains disturbingly stable. The CBS notes that its data covers suspects, not convicted perpetrators, because many cases have not yet gone to trial Source: DutchNews.

Political response

The unchanged femicide rate has prompted calls from women’s rights organisations for stronger prevention measures. The Dutch government has been working on a national action plan against femicide since 2023, but activists say implementation has been slow. The CBS figures provide the statistical backbone for that debate.