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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence includes physical assault, sexual violence, psychological or emotional abuse, stalking, economic control, and threats by a current or former partner or other household member. In Grace-Hollogne - a municipality in the province of Liège - domestic violence is addressed under Belgian criminal and family law. Police, prosecutors, and judges handle criminal acts such as assault and threats, and family courts can order civil and protection measures related to residence, custody and support. Municipal social services and victim support organisations in the Liège region offer practical and emotional help. If you are facing domestic violence, the law provides ways to seek immediate protection, pursue criminal charges, and obtain civil remedies.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, explain options that fit your situation, and represent you in police interviews, criminal proceedings, family court hearings, and civil applications for protection or maintenance. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- You have been physically or sexually assaulted and want to press criminal charges or need help making a formal complaint.
- You need an emergency protection order to keep an abuser away from your home, workplace or children.
- You and the abuser share a home and you want exclusive use of the family dwelling or an order excluding the abuser from the residence.
- Your children are at risk, or you need temporary custody, visitation restrictions or supervised contact orders.
- You face economic abuse and need financial support, emergency maintenance or orders to secure bank accounts and property.
- Your immigration status depends on the abuser and you need legal advice about residency rights and possible protective remedies.
- You want to pursue both criminal charges and civil remedies, or you need help navigating interactions with police and the public prosecutor.
Key legal points relevant in Grace-Hollogne and across Belgium include:
- Criminal law: Acts such as assaults, sexual offences, threats, stalking and harassment can be prosecuted under the Belgian Penal Code. The police can intervene, detain a suspect for questioning and submit evidence to the public prosecutor - the Parquet - who decides whether to bring charges.
- Reporting and prosecution: Victims may file a formal complaint at the local police station. The prosecutor may pursue cases in the public interest even if a victim is reluctant to press charges.
- Emergency police measures: Police can take immediate steps to protect victims at the scene, such as separating parties, making emergency referrals to shelters or social services, and informing the prosecutor of the situation.
- Civil and family measures: Family courts - part of the Tribunal of First Instance - can grant provisional measures relating to residence, custody of children, contact arrangements and spousal or child support. Courts can also impose restraining or exclusion orders as part of civil proceedings.
- Protection orders and restraining orders: Courts and sometimes criminal courts can issue measures to limit or prohibit contact between the alleged perpetrator and the victim. These measures can be interim and later confirmed in hearings.
- Victim support and evidence: Medical certificates, photographs of injuries, witness statements, text and call records, and other documentation are important evidence. Belgian hospitals and medical services can issue certificates documenting injuries for use in criminal or civil proceedings.
- Legal aid: Aide juridique / juridische bijstand is available in Belgium for people who meet financial criteria. Legal aid can cover advice, representation and court costs in criminal and civil matters.
Domestic violence covers physical assault, sexual violence, psychological abuse such as threats, intimidation and controlling behaviour, stalking, economic control and isolation. It includes abuse by a spouse, partner, ex-partner, cohabitant, other household member or close family member.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number - 112. If possible, find a safe place, seek medical attention and report the incident to the local police station in Grace-Hollogne. If you cannot call, contact a trusted person to call for you. Municipal social services and shelters can provide urgent refuge.
Police can take immediate safety measures at the scene, which may include separating the parties and asking the alleged abuser to leave. The exact actions depend on the circumstances and the police assessment. You should report the incident and ask the officers about immediate protection options and how to file a written complaint.
You can file a formal complaint at the local police station in Grace-Hollogne. The police will record statements, collect evidence and submit the file to the public prosecutor - Parquet - who decides whether to bring criminal charges. You may be invited to give a formal statement and could be a witness or special protected witness in court proceedings.
Civil courts can grant provisional protection measures such as exclusion from the shared home, restraining orders and arrangements for child custody and support. Criminal courts may also issue protective conditions during pretrial or as part of a sentence. An experienced lawyer can help you apply for immediate civil measures and explain the process in the Tribunal of First Instance in Liège.
Important evidence includes medical certificates documenting injuries, photographs, damaged property records, text messages, emails, social media messages, call logs, witness contact details, police reports and any written threats. Keep copies in a safe place and consider giving copies to a trusted person or your lawyer.
Children’s safety is a priority for courts in Belgium. Family courts can order temporary custody arrangements, supervised contact, and measures preventing the abuser from contacting the children. If there is a criminal case, child protection services may be involved. Ask a lawyer to help request urgent protective measures for the children.
Even if you do not want to press charges, the prosecutor may decide to pursue the case if it is in the public interest. You should discuss your wishes with police and a lawyer so they can advise about the practical consequences and your options for civil protection remedies.
Yes. Belgian protection and criminal procedures apply regardless of nationality. If your residency depends on the abuser, notify a lawyer and the municipal social services - CPAS - to discuss options. There may be specific immigration remedies and supports available to victims. A lawyer or an NGO experienced with migration and victims rights can explain ways to secure your status and safety.
Legal aid - aide juridique / juridische bijstand - is available in Belgium for people who meet income and asset criteria. Legal aid can cover consultations, drafting documents and representation in court. Contact the Tribunal or the municipal CPAS for information on eligibility and the application process. Private fees vary by lawyer - ask about rates, payment plans and emergency availability when you first contact a lawyer.
When you need assistance locally, consider contacting or enquiring about help from these types of organisations and bodies:
- Local police station in Grace-Hollogne - for immediate reporting and protection interventions.
- Parquet - the Public Prosecutor in Liège - handles criminal prosecution of domestic violence.
- Tribunal of First Instance - Family Court in Liège - handles civil and family protection measures such as custody and exclusion orders.
- Municipal social services - CPAS of Grace-Hollogne - provide social and emergency housing support, financial advice and referrals.
- Local victim support services and shelters in the Liège province - for crisis accommodation, counselling and safety planning.
- Hospital emergency departments and forensic medical services - to document injuries and obtain medical certificates for court or police files.
- Legal aid office at the courthouse - for information on applying for free legal assistance.
- NGOs that specialise in domestic and gender-based violence - they can offer confidential advice, accompaniment to police or court appointments and help with safety planning.
If you need legal assistance for domestic violence in Grace-Hollogne, consider these steps:
- If you are in danger call 112 immediately. Your safety is the priority.
- Seek medical attention and ask for a medical certificate documenting injuries.
- Report the incident to the local police station in Grace-Hollogne and file a formal complaint if you wish to pursue criminal action.
- Preserve and secure evidence - photos, messages, emails, witness contacts and any items related to the abuse.
- Contact the CPAS in Grace-Hollogne or local victim support services to discuss emergency housing, counselling and practical support.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, family and criminal law. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid - aide juridique - and how to apply.
- If children are involved, ask for urgent measures to protect them and request supervised contact if needed.
- Prepare for hearings by keeping a record of incidents, dates and any interactions with police or services. Share this record with your lawyer.
- If you are a non-Belgian national, raise residency concerns early with a lawyer and social services to understand protective options.
Finding legal support and safety resources can feel overwhelming. You do not have to act alone - police, social services, victim support organisations and legal aid can help you take steps toward safety and legal protection in Grace-Hollogne.
