Dutch Municipalities Respond to Public Safety Concerns following Recent Tragedy
Following the murder of 17-year-old Lisa in Hilversum, numerous Dutch municipalities are accelerating plans and launching new initiatives to address feelings of insecurity, particularly among women, on public streets.
Hilversum is implementing its previously scheduled ‘Are you okay?’ campaign next month and will launch an online form in October allowing residents to report unsafe locations for municipal review. Utrecht is initiating a pilot project collaborating with women of diverse backgrounds and an urban planner to identify and address unsafe areas within the city.
Other municipalities are taking varied approaches. Nieuwegein plans to conduct walk-throughs with residents to assess safety needs,while Goirle is exploring improvements like forest thinning and enhanced lighting. Vijfheerenlanden has formed a working group dedicated to improving street safety following the “tragic incident” with Lisa, and Den Helder is identifying areas for targeted intervention. waterland is considering an app enabling residents to remotely activate street lighting.
Mayors in Middelburg,Oegstgeest,and Hollands Kroon are engaging in direct dialogue with residents regarding street safety. The Hague, Diemen, and Dongen are expected to announce further measures, building on existing initiatives in Amsterdam. A related article explores potential solutions like the Spanish approach to stalking prevention, ankle monitors for stalkers, and “disco buses” for safe transport.
