Dutch police received reports of 14,800 sex-related crimes last year, some 800 more than in 2023, with a clear peak in the second half of the year.

“It was even busier than in 2022, with the revelations surrounding The Voice of Holland and others,” said Caroline Monster, head of the national police sex crime team.

The increase in the second half of the year coincided with the introduction of new legislation, which makes it an offence to proceed with sex without making sure the other person is in agreement. Until then, victims had to prove that force had been used.

Sex chatting – or approaching children online – and sexual intimidation in public places have also been criminal offences since then.

“The new legislation (known as the WSM) makes it possible for victims to make a report at an earlier stage and gives us more options to start investigations,” Monster said.

The rise in recorded cases may not be due to the new legislation but rather to increased awareness, she said. The government launched a major campaign around the changes in the law, and there was more focus on sex crimes in the media.

The police received 3,288 reports of sexual assault and 3,391 of rape last year, around 1,000 of which did not involve force, she said. The public prosecution department will decide if these cases go ahead.

In addition, victims made 298 reports of sexual intimidation in public, of which 63 were online, and 131 reports of sex chatting.

So far, no cases falling under the new legislation have proceeded through the courts, apart from a couple relating to sexual intimidation in the street.