Resilient against online crime

The Cybercrime & Cybersecurity research group of The Hague University of Applied Sciences is a partner in the four-year research programme Resilient against online crime. Together with Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Victim Support Fund (Fonds Slachtofferhulp), the Ministry of Justice and Security, and various practice partners, the research group works on knowledge and solutions that contribute to preventing online victimisation and strengthening victim resilience.

Background

Online crime is increasing rapidly: almost two million people in the Netherlands become victims of cybercrime every year. The consequences are not only financial but also emotionally and psychologically severe. Fear, shame, and a reduced sense of safety play a major role in the aftermath of online crime. Despite growing attention to this issue, many questions remain unanswered regarding the impact, prevention, and support related to online victimisation.

Objective

The research programme aims to develop knowledge, tools, and interventions that contribute to:

1. Prevention – preventing victimisation by strengthening digital resilience.
2. Response and aftercare – minimising impact and strengthening victims’ resilience.

Research

Within the programme, research focuses on:

• identifying groups that are particularly vulnerable to online crime
• understanding the impact of online victimisation on daily life
• determining which forms of support are effective, and which are not
• improving the effectiveness of prevention campaigns

Expected Results

The programme will deliver concrete tools for better victim support and effective prevention, including:

• new tools and interventions for support organisations
• knowledge for targeted awareness-raising among at-risk groups
• recommendations for policy and legislation
• scientific evidence on what works in victim care and prevention

Partners

• Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Victim Support Fund (Fonds Slachtofferhulp)
• Ministry of Justice and Security
• Police, insurers, NGOs, and other social and public organisations

Project Duration

June 2025 – June 2029

Funding

The programme is funded by the Victim Support Fund and the Ministry of Justice and Security.

Team

• Dr Susanne van ’t Hoff-de Goede, Associate Professor Cybercrime & Cybersecurity, Centre of Expertise Cyber Security, The Hague University of Applied Sciences
• Dr Remco Spithoven, Professor of Online Resilience, Saxion University of Applied Sciences
• Sifra Matthijsse, Merel van Leuken, Tijmen Fuchs, Isabelle Klaver, Sem Kramer and Leonie Bakker researchers at the Cybercrime & Cybersecurity research group, Centre of Expertise Cyber Security, The Hague University of Applied Sciences

Contact

For more information about the Resilient against online crime research programme, please contact Susanne van ’t Hoff-de Goede.