Research Figures can be deceptive: Janine Janssen on the flip side of statistics on violence in relationships of dependence Written on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Figures on violence in relationships of dependence are used frequently in policy, the media and in operational policing. But what do these figures really tell us? And what do they leave out? In her new book ‘Het geweld achter cijfers. Interpreteren en duiden van cijfers over geweld in afhankelijkheidsrelaties’ (The violence behind the figures. Interpreting and explaining figures on violence in relationships of dependence) Janine Janssen helps professionals in the security domain to better understand, interpret and contextualise these figures. Figures are never neutral In her book, Janine Janssen shows that figures do not just provide information, but may also create blind spots. What is being measured exactly? What remains out of sight? How can you prevent figures from being interpreted incorrectly or being abused? These are the central questions addressed in the book. It offers a critical yet practical view on the use of data in the contexts of domestic violence, human trafficking, honour-related violence and other forms of violence within relationships of dependence. Lecturer Janine Janssen: ‘Those who collect data know it’s a time-consuming and precise job. How did you define your terms? How precisely did you record everything? These are all factors that contribute to the quality of the quantitative picture created.’ Available free of charge The book resulted from cooperation between the Criminology and Legal Anthropology Chair at the Open Universiteit, and the lectorate in Violence in Relationships of Dependence at Avans University of Applied Science, the Netherlands Police Academy and sector association Valente. The lectorate is part of the Knowledge Centre for Local Policing at the Police Academy. The book 'Het geweld achter cijfers. Interpreteren en duiden van cijfers over geweld in afhankelijkheidsrelaties' (in Dutch) is intended for anyone involved in drawing up policies, operational policing or research into violence in relationships of dependence and the figures that are disseminated in relation to this issue.