A 31% spike in reported sex crimes looks terrifying on paper. But the story behind the numbers in Amsterdam is more complex—and arguably, more hopeful—than a simple headline suggests.
According to annual figures released Monday, the city saw a significant jump in registered sexual offenses in 2025. While the national average rose by a notable 13%, Amsterdam's surge is being attributed less to a sudden explosion of violence and more to a fundamental, and long-overdue, shift in Dutch law and social attitudes.
The core of this change is the new sexual offenses law, enacted in July 2024. For anyone who has followed the difficult path to justice for victims of sexual violence, its provisions are a clear departure from the past.
The Law That Shifted the Burden
The previous legal framework placed an enormous burden on victims to prove they were physically forced or threatened. The new law dismantles that archaic standard with several key changes:
- Consent is the Standard: The initiator of a sexual act is now legally required to check if the other person genuinely wants it. The ambiguous and often victim-blaming 'did they say no?' standard is out. The question is now 'did you get an enthusiastic yes?'.
- No More Proving Force: Victims no longer have to prove they were subjected to coercion, violence, or threats. This removes a massive, often re-traumatizing, hurdle to prosecution.
- Street Harassment is a Crime: For the first time, sexual intimidation in public spaces is a criminal offense. For visibly queer and trans individuals, who disproportionately face public harassment, this is a critical recognition of a daily reality that has long been dismissed.
A Culture of Reporting?
Amsterdam Police Chief Peter Holla suggests the numbers reflect a growing willingness to report. The pervasive feeling of "het heeft toch geen zin" (it's pointless anyway) that once stopped victims from coming forward is beginning to fade. "We have invested heavily in capacity and quality, and we will continue to do so," Holla stated, signaling a departure from the days when cases would gather dust for months or even years due to a lack of resources.
For a community that has often viewed law enforcement with justified suspicion, this shift—if it holds—could be significant. The question remains whether these investments will translate into genuine trust and better outcomes for LGBTQ+ victims, who often face unique biases within the system.
The Broader Context
While Amsterdam's increase is the most dramatic, it's part of a national trend, with Rotterdam seeing an 18% rise. Paradoxically, this spike in reported sex crimes comes as Amsterdam's overall crime rate fell by 2% for the first time in 25 years, with notable drops in murders and robberies.
The city isn't just relying on the new law. Following the tragic death of 17-year-old Lisa in 2025, which sparked city-wide protests, Mayor Halsema's office announced concrete measures to improve public safety. These include a buddy system, safer cycling routes with better lighting, and specific training for city officers (BOAs) to identify and act against street harassment.
The surge in statistics is a jarring reality check. But it also reflects the first results of a legal framework that better aligns with the values of consent and bodily autonomy. The numbers don't necessarily mean more violence is happening; they mean more of it is being seen, reported, and—hopefully—prosecuted. The real test is what happens next.
