Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Netherlands Reports Rise in Child Sexual Abuse as Online Offenses Climb

Officials link the increase to easier offending online and urge defined platform responsibilities.

Overview

  • Police-registered reports grew about 20% from 3,010 in 2020 to 3,690 in 2024, roughly a 5% rise from the previous year.
  • Reports concerning child sexual abuse imagery surpassed 70,000 in 2024, nearly double 2021, with more minors coerced or misled into creating images.
  • Online grooming and sharing of nude images are increasingly prominent, yet authorities say recorded cases represent only a fraction of the true scale.
  • More cases are being prosecuted and the number of acquittals declined in 2024, bringing more suspects before the courts.
  • About 60% of reported incidents occur in homes, over a third of convictions involve family members, and roughly a quarter of suspects are under 18.