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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Hasselt is addressed under Belgian federal criminal and civil law, supported by Flemish care networks and local justice services. The term covers physical violence, sexual violence, threats, stalking, coercive control, psychological abuse, and economic abuse within intimate or family relationships, whether partners live together or apart. Belgian criminal law treats many forms of violence within the family as aggravating circumstances that can increase penalties. Hasselt is in the judicial district of Limburg, so police in the local zone work with the Limburg public prosecutor and the courts in Hasselt to assess risk, secure protection, and prosecute where appropriate. Victims have access to immediate protection, medical and psychosocial care, shelters, and legal measures designed to stop the violence and safeguard children.
Belgium has ratified the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, and policy in Flanders prioritizes early detection, coordinated care, victim safety, and perpetrator accountability. In practice this means a coordinated response in Hasselt that can include emergency eviction of the perpetrator from the family home, no-contact orders, child safety planning, and referral to specialized services such as the Family Justice Center Limburg and the 1712 helpline.
A lawyer can help you understand options and act quickly to protect yourself and any children. Common situations include preparing and requesting an emergency barring order that removes the perpetrator from the home, obtaining criminal no-contact or location bans, and applying for civil measures such as exclusive use of the family home, temporary custody, supervised contact, and child or spousal maintenance. If you are considering separation or divorce, a lawyer can structure filings to prioritize safety and evidence preservation.
Victims with residence permits based on family reunification often need tailored advice to secure an independent right to stay in Belgium when the relationship ends because of violence. A lawyer can also help you document injuries and coercive control, file a police complaint, join as a civil party to trigger an investigation, and claim compensation from the perpetrator or from the state compensation commission for victims of intentional violence. If you have been accused of domestic violence, urgent legal representation is equally important to respond to police questioning, comply with conditions, present evidence, and avoid breaching court orders.
Emergency barring order under the Law of 15 May 2012 applies in Hasselt and across Belgium. If the police and public prosecutor assess a serious and immediate risk, the prosecutor can order the alleged perpetrator to leave the family home for a short period, typically up to 10 days. The order can include a no-contact ban and instructions regarding access to belongings. The Justice of the Peace in Hasselt can, upon application, extend or adapt the order for a longer period, commonly up to several months, and can impose financial contributions for housing or maintenance where appropriate.
Criminal protection measures are frequently used. During an investigation or prosecution, the prosecutor or investigating judge may ask the court to impose conditions such as a contact ban, a prohibition to approach certain places, surrender of weapons, mandatory counseling, or alcohol and drug conditions. Breaching these conditions can lead to arrest and detention. Charges related to domestic violence can include assault and battery, threats, stalking, harassment including cyberharassment, sexual offenses, and property offenses like damage or theft in the family context. Violence committed against a current or former partner or a family member can be an aggravating factor under the Criminal Code, which can increase penalties.
Civil family law measures are available through the Family Court in the Court of First Instance Limburg, Hasselt division. Urgent applications can secure exclusive occupation of the family home, temporary parental authority and residence arrangements for children, supervised contact when safety is a concern, and provisional maintenance. In serious risk situations, unilateral urgent petitions may be possible. Child protection bodies in Flanders can be involved if children are exposed to violence, with decisions focused on the best interests and safety of the child.
Evidence and reporting are flexible. You can make a complaint with the police in Hasselt or file a civil party complaint with an investigating judge to ensure an investigation is opened. Useful evidence includes medical certificates, photos of injuries or property damage, threatening messages, call logs, witness statements, and prior police reports. Medical documentation from a general practitioner or hospital is often decisive. For recent sexual violence, specialized care centers in Flanders can offer forensic examination and support alongside medical care.
Immigration protections exist. If your residence in Belgium depends on your partner and the relationship ends due to domestic violence, you may, in many cases, request an independent right of residence. Legal advice is important to collect proof and meet deadlines set by the immigration authorities. Interpreters are available during police and court procedures to ensure you understand and can be understood.
Legal aid in Hasselt is accessible. If you have limited income, you may qualify for fully or partially subsidized legal assistance through the Bureau for Legal Aid at the courthouse. Victim support is available through CAW victim services and the Family Justice Center Limburg, which coordinate help with safety planning, shelter, counseling, and navigating the justice system.
Belgian law does not use a single offense called domestic violence. Instead, it prosecutes underlying crimes such as assault, threats, stalking, harassment, rape and sexual assault, and coercion. When these acts occur between intimate partners or family members, this context is an aggravating circumstance that can increase penalties. Psychological and economic abuse can be relevant as part of stalking, harassment, coercive control, and in civil proceedings for protective measures and child safety.
If there is a serious and immediate risk, call the police. The public prosecutor for Limburg can order a temporary eviction under the 2012 law. Within the period set by the prosecutor, the Justice of the Peace in Hasselt can extend or modify the order. You can also seek civil measures in the Family Court, such as exclusive occupation of the family home, especially when children are involved.
Police and the prosecutor can impose conditions quickly in an emergency, sometimes the same day. A temporary eviction or contact ban can be ordered administratively by the prosecutor, followed by a court review. Civil protective measures can be requested urgently, and the court can set an expedited hearing. Speak to a lawyer about the fastest route based on your situation and available evidence.
No, protection can be granted through both criminal and civil routes. However, reporting to the police helps with risk assessment, triggers possible emergency measures, and creates an official record. Even if you prefer not to press charges, you can ask for civil protective measures from the Family Court.
Police will assess risk, secure immediate safety, and collect evidence. They inform the prosecutor, who can impose emergency conditions such as a no-contact order or eviction. You will be offered victim support and information about your rights. If the suspect is arrested, they may be brought before an investigating judge who can decide on release with conditions or pretrial detention.
Often yes. Belgian immigration rules allow victims of domestic violence whose residence depends on family reunification to apply for an independent right to stay when the relationship ends due to violence. You will need evidence such as police reports, medical certificates, or court orders. Seek immigration law advice promptly because deadlines apply.
The Family Court prioritizes the best interests and safety of the child. The court can order temporary residence arrangements, limit or supervise contact if there are safety concerns, and require participation in support programs. Exposure of children to domestic violence is taken seriously, and child protection services may be involved when necessary.
Keep a record of incidents with dates, take photos of injuries and damage, save threatening messages and call logs, and see a doctor to obtain a medical certificate. Consider reporting to the police in Hasselt so a formal report is made. If sexual violence occurred, seek urgent medical care and ask about forensic examination options. Share copies of all evidence with your lawyer.
In Belgium the prosecutor, not the victim, decides whether to prosecute. Your wishes are considered but the prosecutor can continue a case when public safety and the law require it. If you fear retaliation, inform the police and your lawyer so protection measures can be adapted.
Contact a lawyer immediately. Do not contact the alleged victim while conditions are in place. Respect any contact or location bans strictly. Your lawyer can accompany you during questioning, present evidence, request a lifting or modification of conditions when justified, and help arrange counseling or support that may be relevant to the court.
Police emergency in Belgium - call 101 for police or 112 for urgent emergencies. For non-urgent matters you can attend the front desk of your local police zone in Hasselt.
1712 - free confidential helpline in Flanders for questions about violence, abuse, and child abuse. Available weekdays and accessible by phone. They can refer you to local services in Hasselt and Limburg.
Family Justice Center Limburg - a multidisciplinary service that supports victims and families, coordinates safety planning, and connects you with police, prosecutors, victim support, child services, and perpetrator programs in the Hasselt area.
CAW Limburg - general welfare center offering victim support, counseling, and access to shelters in Limburg. They can help with practical, legal, and psychosocial issues and can accompany you to police or court.
Victim Support at the Court of First Instance Limburg, Hasselt division - assistance with information about your case, impact statements, and navigating hearings.
Bureau for Legal Aid at the Hasselt courthouse - information about free or low cost legal assistance and how to obtain a pro deo lawyer if you meet income conditions.
Child and family services in Flanders - for concerns about child safety related to domestic violence, including the confidential child abuse trust center in Limburg and the youth support services that can step in when needed.
Tele-Onthaal 106 - 24 hour confidential listening line in Flanders if you need to talk. For mental health emergencies call 112.
Commission for Financial Aid to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence - a federal body that can provide financial assistance when the perpetrator cannot pay compensation or cannot be identified.
If you are in immediate danger in Hasselt, call 101 for police or 112 for urgent emergencies. Go to a safe place if you can. Seek medical attention and ask for a medical certificate. Tell the doctor if the injuries were caused by violence so it is recorded accurately.
Contact 1712 for guidance and referral to local services in Hasselt and Limburg. Consider reaching out to the Family Justice Center Limburg or CAW Limburg for coordinated support, safety planning, and access to shelter if needed.
Consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Ask about emergency barring orders, no-contact conditions, and civil family measures. If your residence depends on your partner, seek immigration advice to secure an independent right to stay. If you have limited income, ask the Bureau for Legal Aid about a pro deo lawyer.
Preserve evidence. Keep messages, take photos, and store copies somewhere safe. Note dates, times, and witnesses. Share this with your lawyer and the police.
Plan for your and your children’s safety. Discuss school pickups, alternative housing, supervised contact, and protective measures. Inform trusted people at school or childcare about any no-contact orders.
Follow up with authorities. Attend court dates, respect any conditions in place, and update victim support or your lawyer if circumstances change. If a condition is being breached, report it to the police immediately.
You do not have to manage this alone. Local services in Hasselt can help you navigate legal steps, access care, and rebuild safety and stability for you and your family.
