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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child abuse is taken seriously in Amay and across Belgium. The law treats physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children as matters that can trigger both criminal and protective civil procedures. Criminal authorities investigate and prosecute offenses. Youth protection services and juvenile judges can order protective measures for the child, including removal from the family when necessary. Local police, social services and specialized child protection units work together to protect children and to refer families to support services.
People seek a lawyer in child abuse matters for several reasons. A lawyer can advise and represent:
- Parents, guardians, or family members facing an investigation or criminal charges.
- Children or their legal representatives who need protection orders or wish to assert rights in court.
- Witnesses or professionals who receive allegations and need guidance about reporting obligations and legal exposure.
- Parties in related family law matters such as custody, contact restrictions and access rights that intersect with abuse allegations.
Legal advice helps you understand your rights, the likely steps in a criminal or juvenile procedure, evidence rules, and how to seek or resist protective measures.
Key legal features relevant in Amay include:
- Criminal law: Child abuse and sexual offenses against minors are prosecuted under the Belgian Criminal Code. Penalties vary with the nature and severity of the offense and the age of the victim.
- Juvenile protection: The juvenile courts and juvenile judges can impose protective measures for a minor's welfare. Measures may include supervision, therapeutic interventions, or placement outside the home when the child is at risk.
- Reporting obligations: Certain professionals who work with children have specific obligations to report suspected abuse to competent authorities. Other persons can also report suspicions to police or youth services.
- Investigative bodies: Local police and the public prosecutor office handle criminal investigations. For welfare concerns, the Service de l'Aide a la Jeunesse or equivalent youth services coordinate protection and support actions.
- Legal aid and representation: People with limited means may qualify for legal aid through the local bureau d'aide juridique and through the Barreau de Liège for access to a lawyer in criminal or juvenile proceedings.
If a child is in immediate danger call emergency services without delay - dial 112. You can also contact the local police by their emergency line. If the threat is less acute, contact the local youth services or the police to report the situation so an assessment can be made.
You can report suspected abuse to the local police, to the public prosecutor office, or to youth protection services such as the Service de l'Aide a la Jeunesse. If you are a professional with reporting duties follow your institutional procedures in addition to notifying authorities.
Not always. Removal is a last-resort measure and is decided by youth protection authorities or a juvenile judge when the child is at serious risk. Temporary measures can be put in place quickly in urgent cases, but the decision depends on the facts and available alternatives like supervised support or in-home services.
Police will gather information, interview the child if appropriate, and may collect medical or other evidence. The public prosecutor decides whether to bring charges. A juvenile court may also become involved for protection issues. You should seek legal advice if you are involved as a suspect, witness or guardian.
Yes. Belgian courts take the childs best interests into account. Depending on the childs age and maturity the judge may hear the child directly or appoint a guardian or lawyer to represent the childs views and rights during proceedings.
Authorities do not require absolute proof to act. If there are reasonable grounds to suspect abuse, police or youth services can open an inquiry and take protective measures. Criminal convictions do require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, but protective interventions use a lower threshold focused on risk and welfare.
Yes. People with limited financial resources may be eligible for legal aid through the local bureau d'aide juridique. Legal aid can cover legal advice and representation in criminal, juvenile and family law matters. Contact the Barreau de Liège or the local legal aid office to check eligibility.
Useful evidence includes medical reports, photographs of injuries, witness statements, electronic communications, school reports, and any records of prior complaints. Timely documentation and preservation of evidence strengthens both protection and criminal investigations.
Timescales vary. Emergency protective actions can be immediate. Criminal investigations and prosecutions can take months or longer depending on complexity. Juvenile protection proceedings depend on the assessment needed and court schedules. A lawyer can provide a case-specific estimate.
Yes. Allegations of abuse are a central factor in custody and visitation decisions. Courts prioritize the safety and best interests of the child and can restrict or supervise contact, change custodial arrangements, or order assessments before restoring contact.
Local police - Commissariat de police d'Amay
Local commune social services - Service social de la Commune d'Amay
Service de l'Aide a la Jeunesse for the province or judicial arrondissement
Public Prosecutor office - Parquet du ressort judiciaire local
Barreau de Liège - local bar association and bureau d'aide juridique for legal aid
Child Focus - Belgian center for missing and sexually exploited children
Centres for victims assistance and psychological support - local victim support centers
Local family and child welfare centers and multidisciplinary teams in the Liège region
Specialized child protection NGOs and therapy providers operating in Wallonia
1. If there is immediate danger call emergency services right away - 112. Safety is the first priority.
2. Document and preserve any evidence you can do safely - dates, times, photos, medical reports and witness names.
3. Report the situation to the local police or youth protection services so an official assessment can begin.
4. Seek legal advice from a lawyer experienced in juvenile, family or criminal law. Contact the Barreau de Liège or a local bureau d'aide juridique if you need help finding representation or assessing eligibility for legal aid.
5. Use local support services for the child and family - social services, medical professionals and specialized therapy providers can offer immediate help while legal processes run.
6. Keep records of all contacts with authorities and service providers and follow up if you do not receive a response in a reasonable time.
If you are unsure where to start, call the local police station or the commune social services and ask for guidance about making a report and contacting youth protection services. A lawyer can then advise you on legal rights, likely next steps and available protective measures.
