Domestic Violence and the Vulnerability of Immigrant Women in the Netherlands July/2026

Hello,

Psychologist Ana Lucia Perez, a member of the Florescer Cuida de Você team, brings us important information about a very sensitive topic, with nuances that become even more complex in our situation as expatriate women.

Domestic Violence and the Vulnerability of Immigrant Women in the Netherlands

When we move to another country, we leave many things behind in search of new possibilities, new loves, and a new life. These changes require us to adapt, be resilient, and, above all, find a balance between the new and what we bring with us in our personal baggage.

Often, because of this period of transition and adaptation to another country and another culture, we may have difficulty recognizing behaviors from our new partner that, in another situation, we would have quickly rejected in a relationship.

Why might that be? Would this not also happen in Brazil, in our own country?

Perhaps yes, perhaps no. The point is that financial dependence, as well as dependence related to residency status or a visa, greatly contributes to the vulnerability of immigrant women. A lack of knowledge of the language and Dutch laws can further worsen this situation, leaving women dependent on what others tell them about their rights.

Often, violence begins gradually, with comments that put you down, make you feel insecure, or isolate you from friends. This may be disguised as jealousy or as a desire to always be with one's partner, but it is not—it is control.

At other times, the insults escalate and we recognize verbal abuse. This behavior may be dismissed as an ordinary argument that simply went too far.

Sometimes physical violence occurs, accompanied by the perpetrator's justification that he did what he did because his partner provoked him.

How many times have we heard this? All of these are different forms of domestic violence.

It only takes one incident for it to constitute violence. Do not wait for it to happen again. In cases of physical assault, threats to someone's physical safety, or threats of death, it is advisable to seek immediate help from the police, given the seriousness of the situation and the risks involved.

Violence can be reciprocal, in which case we speak of mutual violence. However, in many cases, the violence is still specifically violence against women. Gender-based violence continues to be a widespread phenomenon, and cases of femicide have been occurring with alarming frequency.

Knowing where to seek help in the Netherlands is essential. This is why it is so important to seek information directly from professionals who work with these issues.

On our website, we provide information about what to do and which organizations can help in cases of domestic violence. You can also find professionals through Florescer who can offer psychological support. It is important to emphasize that these professionals work in accordance with the Dutch protocol that applies to everyone living in the Netherlands.

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Share this information with your network. Knowledge is power, and in many cases, it can save a life.

With care,

Florescer Holanda