New help centres for victims of sexual violence

From next year, victims of sexual violence can turn to specialised centres, following a trial project launched by state secretary for equal opportunities Elke Sleurs and Ghent University (UGent). It is estimated that some 43,000 cases of sexual violence occur in Belgium each years, though only one in 10 victims files a report.

According to Liesbeth Kennes, founder of the blog Wij Spreken voor Onszelf (We Speak for Ourselves) and herself a victim in childhood, the foundation of the centres is an important step. “As a victim, you are too often sent from pillar to post,” she told De Morgen. “That is disastrous for the coping process.”

Next year, centres for both male and female victims will be set up in Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia. The Flemish centre is likely to be established in Ghent. The centres will offer the services of specialised doctors, psychologists and legal experts, and, if victims want to report the attack, police will come to the centre.

“Victims will receive medication, psychological support and help to start legal proceedings,” explained UGent researcher Ines Keygnaert, who co-ordinated the trial project. This broad approach,” she says, should assist in quicker and sustained recovery. If the approach is successful, more centres will be founded in other cities.

Photo: Ingimage