Ruinerwold Gezin

The Ruinerwold Family Case

Overview

In 2019, the Netherlands was shocked by the discovery of a family living in isolation in a basement in Ruinerwold. The family, consisting of a 58-year-old father and six children aged 18 to 25, had been living in the basement for nine years, hidden from the outside world.

The case gained international attention due to its bizarre circumstances and the questions it raised about child abuse, neglect, and the role of authorities.

Background of the Ruinerwold Case

The Ruinerwold family lived in a secluded farmhouse in the rural village of Ruinerwold, Drenthe, Netherlands. The father, Gerrit Jan van Dorsten, was a devout member of a religious sect and had been estranged from his family for some time.

In 2010, Van Dorsten and his six children moved into the basement of the farmhouse. They lived in isolation, with no contact with the outside world. The children were homeschooled and had no formal education or medical care.

Discovery and Investigation

In October 2019, one of the children, a 25-year-old man, escaped from the basement and went to a local bar. He told the bartender about his family's situation, and the police were called.

The police raided the farmhouse and found the family living in the basement. The children were taken into protective custody, and Van Dorsten was arrested.

Charges and Trial

Van Dorsten was charged with child abuse, deprivation of liberty, and money laundering. He was convicted on all charges in 2021 and sentenced to 26 years in prison.

The trial revealed that Van Dorsten had subjected his children to physical and psychological abuse. He had also isolated them from the outside world and controlled their access to food and water.

Aftermath and Impact

The Ruinerwold case raised important questions about child protection and the role of authorities in preventing such cases.

The case also highlighted the importance of education and the need for children to have access to support and services outside of the family home.