Sexual violence
You’ve been the victim of sexual violence
- What can you do?
- Whom can you speak to?
- What kind of help is available?
You are in immediate danger
Call 101 (police) or 112 (ambulance / fire brigade)
Tell the operator:
- Who you are
- Where you are
- Why you’re calling
You’d like to report it
You can visit one of the following police stations to report sexual violence. They are open 24/7.
You’d like specialised help (Sexual Violence Care Center)
- You’ve been the victim of sexual violence
(rape, attempted rape, sexual assault)
AND
- You’d like free medical, forensic and psychological care
AND
- You’d like to report it now or you are still in doubt
AND
- the violence took place no more than 7 days ago?
Then you can go to the Sexual Violence Care Center in Brussels.
Open 24/7.
Rue Haute 320, 1000 Brussels
You’d like to make an appointment to ask questions or report sexual violence
The Emergency Victim Assistance unit (EVA) receives victims of sexual violence that took place 7 days ago or more by appointment only (if the events occured less than 7 days ago, you can go to the Sexual Violence Care Center in Brussels for free multidisciplinary care).
You can contact EVA from Monday to Friday during office hours on 02 279 75 39 or by e-mail at zpz.polbru.rech.eva@police.belgium.eu.
Your appointment with an EVA police officer will take place in a special room in the BOONDAEL police station.
Legal definitions according to Belgian law:
Rape
Any act which consists of or may include sexual penetration, of whatever nature and by whatever means, committed on a person who does not consent or with the assistance of a person who does not consent, constitutes the crime of rape.
Sexual assault
Performing a sexual act on a person who does not consent, with or without the assistance of a third party who does not consent, or causing a sexual act to be performed by a person who does not consent.
Is also considered sexual assault:
Causing a person who does not consent to be present during sexual acts or sexual abuse, even if that person is not required to take part.
Consent:
Consent implies that it has been freely given. This is assessed in the light of the circumstances of the case. Consent cannot be inferred from the victim’s simple lack of resistance. Consent may be withdrawn at any time before or during the sexual act.
Consent does not exist if the sexual act has been committed by taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability as a result of, inter alia, fear, the influence of alcohol, narcotics, psychotropic substances or any other substance with a similar effect, an illness or a disability, which has affected free will.
In any case, consent does not exist if the sexual act is the result of a threat, physical or psychological violence, coercion, surprise, a ruse, or any other criminal conduct.
In any case, consent does not exist if the sexual act is committed on an unconscious or sleeping victim.
