The care centres after sexual violence, you can come to us

Getting to know the ZSG and breaking the silence: two major challenges

"The care centres after sexual violence do important work. In 2022, 3,287 victims came to the centres. And this number will be even higher in 2023, according to the Institute for the equality of women and men which has collected the figures for January to October of this year. In 2023, 3,507 people have visited a centre thus far. 

“On average, 11 people visit a care centre every day. These figures are alarming, but they do not come close to the true extent of sexual violence. In fact, many victims, mostly women, are afraid to call for help and are unaware that there is a place where they can receive holistic care. That is why we are launching this awareness-raising campaign today to highlight the existence of these centres and to encourage victims of sexual violence to go to a care centre as soon as possible," said Marie-Colline Leroy, Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity.

The first phase of the campaign, launched on 13 November, is aimed at the general public. The main objective is to make people aware of the existence of the care centres after sexual violence in Belgium and to explain its tasks. "It is important for victims to know that they are not alone and that there is a place they can go to, seven days a week, 24 hours a day”. The care centres also employ specially trained professionals. “It is these teams that we want to highlight in this first phase of the campaign. The extraordinary work they do and the way they listen are essential in helping victims rebuild their lives," said the Minister of State for Gender Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity. 

The second phase of the campaign is aimed directly at victims and potential victims, with a particular focus on the younger generation. They will be referred directly to the care centres after sexual violence. "This is a necessary focus. While no age group is immune to sexual violence, almost one in three victims who come to a care centre are minors. Two thirds are under the age of 27," said Michel Pasteel, director of the Institute for Gender Equality. 

The campaign aims to reassure victims that the centres are there for them and that they can choose the pace and level of care according to their needs. 

The campaign will run for two months and will include radio spots, posters and posts and videos on social networks in the three national languages.

Already 10 care centres after sexual violence, more to come

The first three care centres after sexual violence were opened in 2017. Since then, seven more have been inaugurated, the latest in Arlon on 8 November. "The 2024 federal budget provides for three new centres in Mons, Walloon Brabant and Halle-Vilvoorde. The government has thus kept its promise to ensure that every victim can find a care centres after sexual violence within an hour's drive of their home. The fight against sexual violence is a priority for all of us. There is no excuse for such behaviour and it must not go unpunished. Our support for the victims must be unwavering," said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

The advantage of the care centres after sexual violence: a multidisciplinary approach

A care centre after sexual violence is a unique collaboration between health professionals, the police and the judiciary. In a care centre, a victim of sexual violence can receive free 24-hour medical and psychological care, forensic samples of the sexual violence can be taken and there is the possibility to file a complaint. All in one place. Victims are cared for by specially trained professionals. The multidisciplinary and holistic approach can limit the consequences for victims and increase and speed up the chances of psychological recovery. Victims' carers are also provided with information and advice.

Annelies Verlinden, Minister of the Interior: "Victims of sexual violence can be sure that they will receive professional care and support. Thanks to their special training, the vice inspectors really make a difference in this area. Victims need to feel understood and safe by the police and other partners. No one should feel victimised a second time.

Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt: "Sexual violence is a deep-rooted social problem that has been underestimated and ignored for far too long. Victims have not been taken seriously enough and perpetrators have too often gone unpunished. But thanks to the new Sexual Offences Act, in force since June 2022, perpetrators will be punished more severely and the principle of consent will finally be central. The new law has significantly improved care for victims of sexual violence and the chances of finding and prosecuting perpetrators. More victims are seeking help and filing complaints. Much more evidence is being gathered, moving away from the "word against word" scenario. To every victim, I want to say clearly: in a care centre after sexual violence, people are ready to help you. Do not hesitate. The police and the judiciary take every complaint seriously and do everything they can to find and punish the perpetrator.”

Frank Vandenbroucke, Minister of Public Health: "It is essential to place each victim in a safe environment as quickly as possible and, above all, to offer the right help: help tailored to their needs and at their own pace. As Health Minister, I have supported the establishment of specialised care centres throughout the country from the outset. Since 2017, this integrated approach has already proven fruitful and needs to be further supported and strengthened: we are working on it."