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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence covers physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse between people who are or were in an intimate or family-type relationship. In Lessines - a municipality in the province of Hainaut - victims are protected under Belgian criminal and civil law and can obtain help from local police, social services and courts. Both criminal prosecution and civil measures can be used to stop the violence, protect victims and address consequences such as separation, child custody and financial support.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, guide you through formal procedures, and represent you in court. Common situations where legal assistance is important include:
- When you want to file a criminal complaint and want an understanding of how the public prosecutor and police will act.
- When you need an immediate protection order or provisional measures to keep an abuser away from you or from your home.
- During separation or divorce where domestic violence affects child custody, visitation, or financial support.
- If there are allegations against you and you need a defense lawyer to protect your rights.
- To secure damages for physical or psychological harm and to help collect and preserve evidence.
Key legal principles and local procedures relevant in Lessines include:
- Criminal law - Acts such as assault, threats, stalking, sexual violence and repeated harassment can be prosecuted by the public prosecutor. A criminal complaint can be filed at the local police station. The prosecutor decides whether to press charges.
- Immediate police protection - If you are in danger, police can intervene immediately to stop violence and remove or separate the aggressor from the scene. For immediate danger, call emergency services.
- Civil and family remedies - Courts can order protective measures, provisional exclusion of the alleged aggressor from the home and temporary arrangements for custody and maintenance while a separation or divorce is processed.
- Protection orders and provisional measures - Victims can request judicial measures to prohibit contact or require the aggressor to stay away from the victim. These measures can be requested as part of criminal proceedings or via family- or civil-court procedures.
- Victim support and compensation - Victims may be entitled to support from victim-assistance services and may apply for compensation through criminal proceedings or civil claims.
- Local administrative and social services - The municipal Public Centre for Social Welfare - CPAS - and local victim-support organizations in Lessines can assist with shelter, social assistance and referrals to legal and psychological help.
If you are in immediate danger call emergency services. For non-emergency reports, go to your local police station and file a complaint. Police will record the facts and may provide immediate protection. A complaint puts the public prosecutor on notice and can lead to investigation and prosecution.
Yes - if there is a risk to your safety police can take immediate measures to remove or separate the aggressor from the situation. Courts can also order the temporary exclusion of the aggressor from the family home as part of civil or criminal proceedings.
Criminal remedies aim to hold the perpetrator accountable under criminal law and can lead to prosecution, fines or prison. Civil remedies focus on protection and practical issues - for example protective orders, exclusion from the home, child custody, visitation and financial support. You may pursue both routes at the same time.
You can request protective measures without a lawyer, but legal advice is often useful to prepare your application, present evidence and explain the legal consequences. A lawyer can also represent you at hearings and help coordinate criminal and civil procedures.
Collect and preserve medical reports, photographs of injuries or damage, written threats or abusive messages, witness names and contact details, police reports and any other documentation. Keep records of dates and details of incidents. If you are worried about safety, make copies and store them in a secure place or with a trusted person.
Protecting children is a priority for the courts. Reporting domestic violence can lead to measures designed to protect them - for example supervised contact, temporary custody orders or restrictions on a parent who is a risk. A lawyer can advise on how best to protect children while pursuing legal remedies.
Yes - local social services, CPAS and local victim-support organizations can help find emergency accommodation or refer you to shelters. Tell the police, social worker or victim-assistance service that you need lodging so they can make appropriate referrals.
The police investigate and forward the file to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor decides whether to open formal proceedings. If there is sufficient evidence, charges may be brought and the case will proceed in the criminal courts. If not, the prosecutor may close the case or propose other measures such as mediation in appropriate situations.
Yes - victims can seek civil damages for physical or psychological harm. Compensation can be claimed in criminal proceedings as a civil party claim, or in a separate civil suit. A lawyer can advise on the best route and on how to quantify your loss.
Belgium provides access to legal aid for people with limited means. Contact the local bar association, the municipal CPAS or the courthouse for information about applying for legal aid. Victim-support organizations can also help with referrals and information about free or low-cost legal assistance.
If you need help in Lessines consider contacting the following types of local and national resources:
- Local police station - for immediate protection and to file a complaint.
- Emergency services - for immediate danger call the emergency number.
- CPAS de Lessines - the municipal social welfare centre can help with shelter, social aid and referrals.
- Victim-assistance services - regional victim-support centres can provide emotional support, information about legal rights and help with practical steps.
- Local shelters and crisis centres - provide emergency accommodation and social support for victims and their children.
- Public Prosecutor - the Procureur du Roi handles criminal prosecution in Hainaut and determines whether to bring charges.
- Family and civil courts - for protective orders, custody, and maintenance matters.
- Local Bar association - for lawyer referrals and information about legal aid.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger - call emergency services now. If you are not in immediate danger, take the following steps:
- Make your safety plan - think about a secure place to go, how to leave safely and whom to call for help.
- Preserve evidence - save photos, messages, medical reports and any police reports.
- Contact local police to report the abuse and ask about immediate protective measures.
- Reach out to CPAS de Lessines or a local victim-support organisation for practical help, shelter options and emotional support.
- Consult a lawyer who specialises in family and criminal law - ask about protective orders, criminal complaints and civil remedies. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid or free consultations through the local bar association.
- If children are involved, inform social services and the court about any immediate risks to their safety so that protective measures can be considered.
Domestic violence situations are complex and emotionally difficult. Seeking help from trusted professionals - police, social workers, victim-support organisations and lawyers - can provide both immediate protection and long-term legal solutions.
