Valérie Pijlman

Dr. Valérie Pijlman is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR) since 2025, where she focuses on victimology, particularly image-based sexual abuse and help-seeking behavior among victims. Previously, she was a PhD candidate at NSCR from 2021 to 2025 and a Junior researcher in 2020-2021.

Her educational background is as follows:

• 2020: Master Victimology and Criminal Justice (cum laude), Tilburg University
• 2019: Master Clinical Psychology (cum laude), Utrecht University
• 2019: Research internship at the International Victimology Institute Tilburg (INTERVICT)
• 2019: Research and Thesis internship at the Trimbos Institute
• 2018-2019: Clinical and Diagnostics internship at Altrecht

Pijlman's research interests focus on understanding victimization experiences, with a specialization in:

• Image-based sexual harassment and abuse
• Help-seeking behavior after sexual violence
• Cybervictimization
• Clinical psychology interventions for victims
• Victimology theory and practice

Her work aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical victim support services.

Analysis of her publication record shows a consistent trajectory in studying help-seeking behaviors, particularly for victims of image-based sexual abuse. She employs diverse methodologies including mixed-methods, scoping reviews, and A/B testing to evaluate interventions. Her research also extends to digital fraud contexts and barriers to seeking help, contributing to a deeper understanding of victim decision-making processes.

Within the NSCR, Pijlman is an active member of the Victimology theme, collaborating with a team of researchers to address critical issues in sexual violence and victim support. Her work informs policy and practice, aiming to improve services for victims.