Samenvatting

The central question in this article is which arguments argue in favor of or against an independent criminalization of psychological violence, and what further research should focus on. Arguments in favor of independent criminalization are found in the standardization and recognition of psychological violence, better awareness, a higher willingness to report crimes and a negative incentive for aid. The objections to separate criminalization consist in provability problems, psychological violence is already punishable, existing (less drastic) alternatives to criminal law and objections based on the lex certa-principle. Finally, the doctoral research conducted by co-author Timmers in this field is discussed.