Temporary Commission of Inquiry Organized Sadistic Abuse of Minors (Hendriks Commission)

This temporary commission of inquiry was established as of April 1, 2021 by Minister Grapperhaus of Justice and Security (JenV). This independent commission investigates the phenomenon of organized sadistic abuse of minors. The committee would finalize its investigation report in July 2022. More time is needed, the investigation report will be ready in November 2022.

Task of the Hendriks committee

A motion by Van den Berge (GroenLinks), Van Nispen (SP) and Kuiken (PvdA) (October 2020) requested an independent investigation into the nature and extent of organized sadistic abuse of children. Experiences of ritual abuse survivors and those of their therapists are included. The results of this can help in an effective detection of these networks.

In other motions related to this, an inquiry was also made into the National Expertise Group Special Sexual Affairs (LEBZ). They have also been asked to set up a hotline for victims and families of sectarian abuse. On the basis of the outcome of the assessment of the research assignment by the WODC and the political and social urgency of the problems, Minister Grapperhaus has set up an independent commission of inquiry. The committee has been given the following task:

Report to the minister on organized sadistic abuse of minors in the Netherlands. We use as many sources as possible for this. This includes victims, therapists, scientific sources and experts in this specific field. On the basis of the findings, give the minister an advice about the investigation.

Advise the minister on setting up a hotline and its operation; This is in response to the motions Van den Berge cs and Van Nispen cs

Inform the minister about the action plan before commencing her field activities.

Composition of the Hendriks committee

Chair

Prof. dr. Dr Jan Hendriks (as of April 1, 2021). He specializes in the treatment and investigation of sex offenders.

Members

dr. Anne-Marie Slotboom (as of April 1, 2021). She specializes in women with delinquent behavior and who are victims of it.

Prof. dr. Dr. Trudy Mooren (as of 1 July 2021). She specializes in the influence of trauma on the functioning of families and families.

Commission support

An official secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Security will support the committee from 1 May 2021. This secretary is only accountable to the chairman of the committee for the substantive performance of this task. An external senior researcher will also support the committee from 1 July 2021. A number of external experts will be asked to make a substantive contribution to the committee's research.

Expertise and independence of the committee members

The members of the Hendriks committee have a lot of experience as scientists and are active as associate professors or professors at a university. They conduct independent research into the phenomenon of organized sadistic abuse of minors. They have no personal interest in the results of the investigation.

Read the interview with Prof. Dr. Jan Hendriks on the Folia website.

Contact the Hendriks committee

You can contact the Hendriks committee via the contact form.

Documents

Decree establishing the Organized Sadistic Abuse of Minors Committee

Decree of the Minister of Justice and Security, amending the Decree establishing the Organized ...

Decision | 19-01-2022

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