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Sex crime matters in Grace-Hollogne are governed by Belgian criminal law and handled locally by police, prosecutors and courts based in the Liège judicial district. Sex crimes cover a range of offences including sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, child sexual offences, grooming and offences linked to pornography and trafficking. Both victims and people accused of offences have rights under Belgian law - for example the presumption of innocence for the accused and the right to protection and support for victims. Because Grace-Hollogne is part of the Liège province, investigations and prosecutions typically involve the local police services, the Procureur du Roi de Liège and courts located in the Liège judicial area.
Sex-crime cases are legally and emotionally complex. You may need a lawyer if you are a victim seeking to file a complaint, secure protective measures, obtain compensation or follow a criminal case. You may also need a criminal defence lawyer if you are accused of a sex offence - to advise you on police interviews, challenge evidence, represent you at hearings and protect your rights. Lawyers experienced in sex-crime law can:
- Explain your legal options and likely outcomes.
- Help preserve and present evidence - medical reports, witness statements, digital records.
- Request urgent protective measures for victims - restraining orders, emergency custody transfers, housing or anonymity requests.
- Represent you before the police, prosecutor, investigative judge and courts.
- Help victims apply to the victim compensation fund and pursue civil claims for damages.
Key aspects of Belgian law relevant in Grace-Hollogne include:
- Criminal framework - Sexual offences are prosecuted under the Belgian Criminal Code and specific laws on trafficking and child exploitation. Offences are classified by severity and by aggravating circumstances such as violence, use of a weapon, the age of the victim or the relationship between parties.
- Age of consent - The general age of sexual consent in Belgium is 16. Sexual contact with persons under that age, and often under certain younger age thresholds, is criminalised. Special protections apply to vulnerable minors and to adults in positions of trust.
- Investigation process - After a report, the police conduct an investigation. More serious cases may involve an investigative judge (juge d'instruction). The public prosecutor (Procureur du Roi) decides whether to bring charges in the criminal court.
- Victim rights - Victims have the right to be informed of procedural developments, to receive protection, to request emergency measures and to be assisted by a lawyer or victim support worker. Victims may also pursue a civil claim for compensation within the criminal proceedings by constituting a partie civile.
- Defence rights - People accused of offences have the right to legal representation, to remain silent, to access case materials in certain stages, and to a fair and public hearing before an impartial tribunal.
- Sanctions - Penalties vary by offence and severity - they can include imprisonment, fines, and orders related to prohibitions or treatment. Courts may also impose probationary measures and register the offender in criminal or sex-offender registries where applicable.
- Statutes of limitations - Limitation periods vary by offence and have been subject to legislative change. For certain grave sexual offences, limitation rules may differ, and exceptions can apply. If timing is important in a case, consult a lawyer promptly.
You can report to the local police station in Grace-Hollogne or any nearby police zone. You may also go to the emergency department of a hospital to receive medical care and to request a forensic medical examination. A report can be made in person or by contacting the police - police will file a plainte or an information note that begins the investigative process. If you are unsure, consider contacting a victim-support organisation or a lawyer for guidance on reporting and preserving evidence.
Prioritise your safety. Seek medical care as soon as possible - hospitals can provide treatment and forensic evidence collection. Try to preserve physical evidence - avoid bathing, changing clothes, or cleaning the scene if possible. Consider writing down or recording your recollection while it is fresh. Contact the police to report the incident and find a lawyer or victim-support service for legal and emotional support.
Victims are often required to provide testimony during criminal proceedings, but Belgium provides protections - hearings can be closed to the public in sensitive cases, and special measures are available to reduce direct confrontation with the accused, such as remote testimony or screens. Discuss protective options with your lawyer and the victim support services.
Yes. Victims can ask police and prosecutors for emergency protection, and courts can issue restraining orders, provisional measures, or protective custody orders in certain situations. A lawyer or victim-assistance service can help you request and pursue these measures quickly.
Victims can bring a civil claim for damages within the criminal proceedings by becoming a partie civile, or pursue a separate civil action. There is also a state victim compensation mechanism for victims of violent crime - you may be eligible to apply for compensation under Belgium's compensation fund. A lawyer can advise on eligibility, deadlines and the best strategy for claiming compensation.
If you are accused, you have the right to legal representation and to remain silent during police questioning. You should request a lawyer before answering detailed questions. Your lawyer can advise on immediate steps, how to protect evidence and how to prepare for hearings. Avoid discussing the case on social media or with witnesses without your lawyer present.
Timing varies widely depending on the complexity of the facts, the need for forensic work, the involvement of an investigative judge and court scheduling. Some cases are resolved quickly by the prosecutor, while others can take many months or longer to reach trial. Your lawyer can give a realistic timeline based on your case stage and local court workloads.
Complete anonymity is difficult in criminal cases because the police and prosecutor must identify parties for investigation. However, you can seek confidentiality protections and limited disclosure in sensitive cases, and victim-support services can provide confidential advice. Discuss confidentiality concerns with a lawyer and the police when you report.
Relevant evidence includes medical and forensic reports, photographs of injuries, witness statements, electronic records such as messages and social-media logs, CCTV, call records and any other documentation showing the facts or the impact on the victim. Early collection of medical and digital evidence is often critical.
Look for lawyers who specialise in criminal law and have experience with sexual-offence matters. You can contact the local bar association in Liège for referrals, ask victim-support organisations for trusted names, or seek recommendations from other professionals. In your first meeting, ask about relevant experience, likely fees, and the lawyer's approach to both victims and defence work. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation to explain options.
Below are key types of resources that can help someone in Grace-Hollogne:
- Local police station - to report offences and request urgent protection.
- Procureur du Roi de Liège - the public prosecutor office handling criminal prosecutions in the Liège district.
- Local courts in the Liège judicial area - for criminal hearings and civil claims linked to criminal cases.
- National victim helplines and services - Belgium operates victim support structures and a national helpline number for victims; they provide practical guidance, referrals and emotional support.
- Victim compensation fund - the state fund that may provide compensation to victims of violent offences.
- Hospitals with forensic exam capability - for medical care and evidence collection, for example the main hospitals serving the Liège area.
- Independent non-governmental organisations and specialised sexual-violence centres - these provide counselling, legal information and accompaniment through the justice process.
If you or someone you know needs legal help with a sex-crime matter in Grace-Hollogne, consider the following steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - get to a safe location and call emergency services if you are in danger.
- Seek medical attention - obtain care and consider a forensic examination to preserve evidence.
- Report to the police or seek advice from a victim-support service - reporting starts the investigative process and triggers protections.
- Contact a specialised lawyer - if you are a victim or accused, obtain legal advice promptly to protect your rights and options.
- Gather and preserve evidence - keep records, messages, photos, medical reports and witness details in a secure place.
- Use victim support services - they can provide emotional support, accompany you to appointments and help with procedural steps like compensation applications.
- Stay informed - ask your lawyer to explain options, probable timelines and potential outcomes so you can make informed decisions.
Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and legal options. If you are unsure where to start, contact a local victim-support organisation or a criminal-lawyer in the Liège area for confidential guidance.
