LGBTI persons should be safe and feel safe in the Netherlands. This means that you should not be bullied or called names by others because of your sexual orientation or gender identity. Violence against LGBTI persons is never allowed. Also discrimination based on your sexuality, gender identity, gender or ethnicity is not allowed. LGBTI persons are protected under the Constitution.
However, it can happen that you do have a bad experience; people shouting at you or even being violent towards you. When this happens there are organisations that can help you. Also the police can help you. In the Netherlands the police is there to protect you. Have you been harassed, discriminated against or abused because you are lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender? Because of your intersex status? Or because of your ethnicity? Always notify the police! It is safe to tell them you are LGBTI. It is their duty to protect you.
HELP! – Emergency number 112
Are you in danger now? Do you need assistance at this very moment? Call 112 for emergency assistance in life threatening situations or when you are witnessing a crime. In these cases every second counts. The 112-emergency centre will immediately send the help you need: police, ambulance (medical care) or the fire brigade. You can call this number for free in all countries of the European Union.
When do I call 112?
You call 112 when there is an emergency. So when your life or someone else’s life is in danger. When you or someone else is severely injured for instance and needs medical assistance as soon as possible. Or when you are witnessing a crime.
When you call 112, you need to say:
- What is going on;
- Where you need help;
- What kind of help you need: police, ambulance or fire brigade.
You will be connected to the right help service that is close to you.
If you need assistance, but there is no emergency, you can call the police: 0900-8844.