Street harassment

Have you experienced street harassment? No one has the right to make you feel unsafe or to touch you without your consent. By reporting what happened, you help the Municipality understand how big the problem is in Maastricht, what exactly is happening and where. We only collect information. Check the sections at the bottom of this page if you're looking for help.

Report to the Municipality

The Municipality of Maastricht has a reporting centre for street harassment. This includes any form of unwanted attention in public spaces such as streets or parks. Examples include aggressive behaviour, discrimination, unwanted comments, touching, staring, following or sexually suggestive gestures.

You can report anonymously. You can do this right after the incident, but also later on. By sharing your experience, you help the Municipality gather information which can be used to improve street lighting, to increase supervision in certain areas of the city or the implementation of other security measures.

Help and information

  • In an emergency, call 112.

    Anyone can become a victim of unwanted (sexual) attention. If you’ve had an unwanted sexual experience, it may be difficult to ask for help, but we strongly advise you to do so as soon as possible. For immediate help, visit the website of the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) or call 0800 01 88.

  • There is no fixed order or 'right way' to get help. If you would like to discuss your options, you can contact a representative from the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) in Limburg by chat, phone or contact form. Together you can make a plan for support that suits your needs. For more information and direct help, visit the website of the Sexual Assault Center (SAC).

    See below for more details about what different organisations can offer.

  • Sexuality, contraception and STIs

    If you’ve had an unwanted sexual experience and are worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you can go to the GGD for a free test and, if necessary, treatment. GGD nurses and doctors can also help with questions about sexuality, unwanted sexual experiences and contraception. For an appointment, questions or advice, call 088 880 5072.

    Street harassment and catcalling 

    Have you received unwanted, sexually charged comments (catcalling)? You can share your experience anonymously on the Instagram account Cat Calls of Maastricht. This helps raise awareness about the issue.

    Online sexual abuse 

    For anonymous advice about, for example, nude images, unwanted contact, blackmail or other forms of online sexual abuse, visit the Help Wanted website. You can chat anonymously with a representative to learn how to stay safe online.

    Drink spiking and questions about drugs and sex

    Contact Preventie Mondriaan if someone has put alcohol or drugs in your drink without your consent (drink spiking), or if you have questions about drugs and sex. You can chat anonymously on their website by clicking the ‘Questions about alcohol, drugs & addiction’ button. You can also send an email  to preventie [at] mondriaan.eu (preventie[at]mondriaan[dot]eu) or call 088 506 72 00.

    Through your GP

    Would you prefer to talk to your GP first? Your GP can provide information, advice and referrals to the right kind of support. In Maastricht, you can also visit the sexology consultation at the Stadspoli with a referral from your GP. The consultation times are listed on the Stadspoli website.

    Contacting the Sexual Offences Unit 

    For serious crimes such as assault, rape, indecent exposure, or sexting, you can contact the Sexual Offences Unit. They can help you file a report, provide information and refer you to support. Send an email to zedenlimburg [at] politie.nl or call 088 168 9289 during office hours (or 0900 8844 outside office hours).

    Support for LHBTIQ+ People 

    LHBTIQ+ includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer people – plus those who identify differently, such as asexual or pansexual.

    • COC Limburg works for a safe, inclusive society for LHBTIQ+ people. They can help you find support and meet others, for example at Café Rosé or by volunteering.
    • Roze in Blauw is a national police initiative that helps LHBTIQ+ people facing discrimination or abuse. Call 088-1691234 or email rozeinblauw [at] politie.nl.

    Anti Discrimination Service Limburg 

    If you feel you have been treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, contact Anti Discrimination Service Limburg for advice, information, and support.

    Trajekt for young People 

    If you are between 14 and 27 and need help with everyday challenges or just someone to talk to, Trajekt offers support. They also help those affected by loverboys.

    Maastricht Social Teams

    Maastricht has 7 Social Teams that can answer your questions and offer support. You can contact them by phone, via the website, or in person. Visit the Social Team page to learn more.

    Youth support via Xonar 

    Xonar provides specialist help for young people, families, and adults who have experienced physical or psychological abuse. For more information, visit www.xonar.nl or call 088 119 1888.

    Sex, love and relationships 

    If you have questions about sex, love or relationships, visit the Sense website for answers. For issues related to sexual violence, including its effects, see the website of the Sexual Assault Center (SAC).

    Other resources 

    If you haven’t found the help you need, visit www.watkanmijhelpen.nl or www.slachtofferwijzer.nl for more information and personal stories from others who have received help.

  • If you witness unwanted sexual behaviour

    Unwanted sexual behaviour is not OK – not at concerts, festivals or in clubs. If you see someone being harassed, don’t hesitate to ask: ‘Are you OK?’ You can find more tips and information on the ‘Are you OK?’ campaign website.

    If you want to support someone you know

    If someone you know has had an unwanted sexual experience, your support can make a difference. Visit the website of the Sexual Assault Center (SAC). for advice on helping others, or see Samen Helen for tips on having supportive conversations.

    Amnesty’s campagne #LetsTalkAboutYES

    Amnesty International promotes a culture where sex is based on equality, consent and mutual respect. The #LetsTalkAboutYES campaign encourages open conversations about consent, particularly among young people. Visit Amnesty’s website for more information about the campaign and the new consent-based rape law.

    Information for carers

    Are you a parent, carer or youth professional with questions about sexuality and upbringing? The Centre for Youth and Family Maastricht and Heuvelland (CJG043) provides answers and advice. See the CJG043 website for more information.

    Information for professionals

    As a professional, you may encounter someone who has experienced sexual violence. Visit the website of the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) or call 0800 01 88 for professional advice.

  • Please note: this section is intended for people who want to learn how to stop crossing sexual boundaries. If you’ve had an unwanted sexual experience, this information may be unpleasant to read. You may want to skip this section.

    How respectful is your flirting?

    Everyone has different boundaries, and they’re not always obvious. Make sure the other person feels as comfortable as you do – simply ask: 'Are you OK?'. Take the flirt test on the ‘Are you OK?’ campaign website.

    Treatment at Radix Mondriaan

    Have you crossed someone’s sexual boundaries or are you worried you might? Radix Mondriaan offers treatment, care and supported housing to help prevent this behaviour and reduce re-offending. Contact them through the Radix Mondriaan website.