# Netherlands coercive control awareness and legislation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-coercive-control-awareness-and-legislation > Updated: 2026-09-03T09:12:07.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. A study commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security indicates that approximately 1.5 million people in the Netherlands believe they know someone in an unsafe or unhealthy relationship. The research emphasizes the prevalence of coercive control, a method where a partner exerts structural pressure through tactics such as monitoring social contacts, humiliation, or threats. In response, Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel, joined by survivors of femicide, has launched a campaign urging bystanders to act on suspicions of abuse. The initiative encourages individuals to maintain contact and listen without judgment to help break cycles of abuse. To address these issues, the government has previously published a legislative proposal to criminalize psychological abuse and coercive control. Reports indicate that in the Netherlands, a woman is murdered every eight days, frequently by a current or former partner following a period of coercive control. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-03: Netherlands: Minister calls for action against coercive control Dutch Minister David van Weel is urging citizens to act against coercive control after research shows 1.5 million people know someone in an unsafe relationship. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-minister-calls-for-action-against-coercive-control ### 2026-08-26: Netherlands launches campaign following study on coercive control A Dutch study shows 1.5 million citizens suspect someone they know is in an unsafe relationship, prompting a government campaign to raise awareness of coercive control and femicide risks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-launches-campaign-following-study-on-coercive-control --- Cite as: Netherlands coercive control awareness and legislation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-coercive-control-awareness-and-legislation