Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Hasselt

About Domestic Violence Law in Hasselt, Belgium

Domestic violence in Belgium is any pattern of controlling, threatening, or violent behavior that occurs between partners, ex-partners, family members, or cohabitants. It includes physical assault, sexual violence, psychological abuse, stalking, economic control, and digital abuse. In Hasselt, which is part of the province of Limburg in Flanders, cases are handled by the local police zone and the Limburg public prosecutor, with close collaboration between social services and specialized support networks.

Belgium treats domestic violence as a serious criminal and social issue. There is no single stand-alone offense called domestic violence in the Criminal Code. Instead, conduct is prosecuted under specific offenses such as assault and battery, threats, stalking, sexual offenses, and property offenses, often with aggravating circumstances when committed against a partner or in the presence of children. Civil courts, especially the family court, can order swift protective and family measures alongside any criminal investigation.

Victims in Hasselt have access to immediate police protection, temporary removal of the violent person from the home, civil protection orders, victim support services, and legal aid. The region uses coordinated responses so that safety planning, housing, child arrangements, and legal action can proceed in parallel.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your immediate safety, and navigate both the criminal and civil systems. Common situations where legal help is useful include seeking a temporary house ban against the alleged perpetrator, obtaining a court-ordered contact ban, and securing exclusive use of the family home.

Legal support is often essential when you need to report to police or give a statement, gather and preserve evidence such as medical certificates and messages, or join a criminal case to claim compensation as a civil party. If you are separating or divorcing, a lawyer can ask the family court for urgent rulings on parental authority, residence of the children, supervised contact, and maintenance.

Advice is also important for tenancy or property questions, employment protection and leave following violence, and immigration issues if your residence status depends on your partner. A lawyer ensures your rights are respected during police interviews, bail decisions, and any no-contact conditions, and can coordinate with victim support services in Hasselt to create a comprehensive safety plan.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal offenses and aggravating factors - Violence, threats, stalking, and sexual offenses are punishable under the Belgian Criminal Code. Penalties can be higher when the victim is a spouse, ex-partner, cohabitant, or when children are present. Psychological violence can be prosecuted under threats, harassment, and stalking rules. Digital abuse such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images can also be pursued under specific provisions.

Temporary house ban - Under the federal law on the temporary house ban in cases of intra-family violence, the mayor, based on police assessment and indications of serious and immediate danger, can impose a ban for up to 10 days ordering the alleged perpetrator to leave the shared home and prohibiting contact. The family court can extend protective measures, typically up to a maximum of 3 months, after hearing the parties.

Protection orders by the family court - Independently of any criminal case, the family court can issue urgent civil measures. These can include a contact ban, exclusive use of the family home, arrangements for children, handover of essential belongings, and orders regarding communication between the parties. Breach of such orders can trigger criminal consequences.

Police and prosecutor action - Police in Hasselt can intervene immediately, remove a person from the home for safety, and notify the public prosecutor. The prosecutor can impose conditions on release such as a no-contact order and geographic bans, and can refer the matter to an investigating judge if needed. Victims have the right to be informed, to make a detailed statement, and to add evidence to the file.

Victim rights and support - Victims have rights to information, respectful treatment, language assistance, accompaniment during procedures, and to claim compensation. You can file a complaint, request updates, and, if appropriate, become a civil party to seek damages. If you suffer bodily injury or severe trauma and the offender is unknown or insolvent, you may apply to the Commission for Financial Assistance to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence.

Evidence and documentation - Useful evidence includes medical reports, photographs of injuries or damage, threatening messages, call logs, witness statements, and notes of incidents with dates and times. Medical examination soon after an incident is particularly important for both health and legal proof.

Children and safeguarding - Exposure of children to domestic violence is taken seriously by the courts and social services. The family court can impose urgent protective measures for children. Specialized services in Limburg assess risk and can arrange supervised contact where necessary.

Confidentiality and address protection - Victims can ask for address confidentiality in the population register and may use a reference address via local social services if needed. Shelters and support services maintain strict confidentiality.

Language and accessibility - Hasselt is Dutch-speaking. If you do not speak Dutch, you can ask for an interpreter with police, prosecution, and courts. Documents can be translated, and you can be accompanied by support workers during procedures.

Legal aid - Low-income individuals may qualify for free or partially free legal assistance via the Bureau for Legal Aid of the local bar. First-line legal information is available without charge, and second-line legal aid can provide representation in court based on your income and family situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if I am in immediate danger in Hasselt

Call the police on 101 or the European emergency number 112. If possible, go to a safe place such as a neighbor, a friend, a hospital, or a local shelter. The police can intervene on the spot, separate the parties, and contact the prosecutor. You can also request a temporary house ban and a no-contact order.

How quickly can I get a protection order or house ban

The temporary house ban can be imposed very quickly, often the same day, when there is immediate danger. The family court can extend or adapt protective measures after a short hearing, generally within days to a few weeks, depending on urgency and court schedule.

Do I have to press charges for the authorities to act

Police can act to protect you even if you are not ready to file a formal complaint. However, making a statement and filing a complaint strengthens the case for criminal prosecution and protective measures. You can receive support while giving your statement, and you may choose to become a civil party later to claim damages.

What evidence should I collect to support my case

Keep medical certificates, photos of injuries and property damage, messages and emails, call logs, and a timeline of incidents with dates, times, and locations. Save recordings only if legally obtained, and avoid putting yourself at risk to gather evidence. Seek medical care promptly for both health and documentation.

Will the abusive partner be removed from our home

Yes, if there is serious and immediate danger, the temporary house ban can require the alleged perpetrator to leave the home and prohibit contact for a defined period. The family court can extend exclusive use of the home to you during the proceedings. Breaching these orders can lead to arrest.

How does domestic violence affect child custody and contact

The family court prioritizes child safety. It can order temporary residence with one parent, suspend or supervise contact with the other parent, specify handover locations, and impose communication rules. The court may adjust child arrangements as new information becomes available during the case.

Can I keep our rental home if I leave temporarily

The family court can grant you exclusive use of the family home, including a rented dwelling, and can order the other party to hand over keys and belongings. Discuss urgent housing needs with your lawyer and local support services, which can help with short-term shelter and longer-term housing options in Limburg.

What if my residence status depends on my partner

Belgian residence rules include protections for victims of intra-family violence. You may be able to keep or obtain residence independently of your partner if you can show serious violence. Consult an immigration-savvy lawyer promptly to preserve deadlines and gather the required proof.

How much does a lawyer cost and can I get legal aid

Fees vary by lawyer and case complexity. If your income is below set thresholds, you may qualify for fully or partially free legal representation through the Bureau for Legal Aid of the Limburg bar. Bring proof of income and family composition when you apply.

Can I withdraw my complaint later

You can inform the authorities that you do not wish to continue, but the prosecutor can proceed without your cooperation if there is public interest or sufficient evidence. Protective orders and safety planning can remain in place even if you change your mind, and support services can help you reassess risk.

Additional Resources

Emergency services - Police 101 and European emergency 112 for immediate danger or medical emergencies.

1712 - Flemish helpline for violence, abuse, and neglect. Confidential information and guidance toward local services in Hasselt and Limburg.

Tele-Onthaal 106 - Emotional support line available day and night.

Ecoute violences conjugales 0800 30 030 - Free French-language helpline for intimate partner violence, useful if you are more comfortable in French.

Family Justice Center Limburg - Multidisciplinary support in Hasselt for families experiencing violence, coordinating safety planning, legal pathways, and child-focused help.

CAW Limburg - General welfare center offering victim support, emergency accommodation, counseling, and practical assistance, including shelters in the province.

Victim Support at the Justitiehuis Limburg - Information on your rights, accompaniment to police and court, and updates about your case.

Zorgcentrum na Seksueel Geweld - Specialized sexual assault care centers where you can receive medical care, forensic examination, and crisis support in the Limburg region.

Balie Limburg - Bureau for Legal Aid for first-line legal advice and applications for pro bono representation in Hasselt and the wider Limburg area.

Commission for Financial Assistance to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence - Possible compensation when the offender is unknown, cannot pay, or in cases of serious harm.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety - If you are at risk, call 101 or 112 and move to a safe location. Consider contacting 1712 or local services in Hasselt for immediate support and safety planning.

Get medical care - Seek prompt medical attention for injuries or trauma. Ask for a detailed medical certificate and keep copies for legal purposes.

Document and preserve evidence - Save messages, take photos, and write down dates and times of incidents. Store copies in a safe place or with a trusted person.

Consult a lawyer early - Contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, criminal defense, and family law in Hasselt. Ask about urgent protective measures, reporting options, and child arrangements. If cost is a concern, apply for legal aid through the local bar.

Consider protective orders - Discuss with your lawyer and the police the possibility of a temporary house ban and court-ordered no-contact measures. Prepare to explain recent incidents and risks.

Engage with support services - Reach out to the Family Justice Center Limburg, CAW Limburg, and victim support at the Justitiehuis for coordinated help with housing, finances, child support, and counseling.

Plan for children and housing - Work with your lawyer to request urgent family court orders on residence and contact. Ask support services about temporary accommodation and priority pathways for victims.

Protect your privacy - Change passwords, review device sharing and cloud backups, and ask the municipality about address confidentiality. Limit the sharing of your new address and routines.

Follow up and review - Keep in touch with your lawyer and support workers, attend court dates, and update your safety plan as circumstances change. If you decide to separate, prepare for longer-term steps such as divorce, property division, and ongoing child arrangements.

Remember - You are not alone. In Hasselt and across Limburg, coordinated legal and social services can help you increase your safety, assert your rights, and move forward.