Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
This guide provides an easy-to-understand overview of what sexual abuse law means for people living in or near Aywaille, a municipality in the province of Liège, Belgium. Sexual abuse and sexual violence are criminal matters in Belgium. Allegations are handled by local police and by the public prosecutor, and serious cases are tried in criminal courts. Victims have both criminal routes - where the state prosecutes the offender - and civil routes - where a victim may seek compensation. Laws and procedures aim to protect victims, collect evidence, and hold perpetrators accountable, while also respecting the rights of the accused.
A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and navigate both criminal and civil processes. Common situations in which people seek legal help include:
- Deciding whether to report an assault to the police and understanding the likely consequences of reporting.
- Preserving and collecting evidence, including arranging forensic medical examinations and advising on how to avoid unintentional loss of evidence.
- Communicating with police, prosecutors, medical professionals, or other institutions on your behalf.
- Seeking emergency protection measures, restraining orders, or other court-ordered safeguards.
- Joining criminal proceedings as a civil party to claim compensation for physical, psychological, or material harm.
- Initiating a separate civil claim for damages and advising about the process, costs, and prospects.
- Navigating issues involving minors, cross-border concerns, or cases with complex factual or legal elements.
- Accessing legal aid if you have limited financial means.
Belgian criminal law defines sexual offences ranging from unwanted touching and sexual coercion to rape and sexual exploitation. Key aspects relevant to Aywaille and the surrounding region include:
- Scope of offences: The law covers a spectrum of acts against the sexual integrity of persons, including offences that involve force, threats, abuse of a position of vulnerability, or lack of consent.
- Consent: Consent is a central concept. Sexual acts without clear, voluntary consent may constitute an offence.
- Protection of minors: There are specific and stricter protections and procedures when the alleged victim is a minor. Special rules apply for evidence gathering, mandatory reporting, and court procedures to protect the child.
- Criminal procedure: When a report is made, police will usually open an investigation. The prosecutor decides whether to bring charges. Investigations can include witness statements, forensic medical examinations, and searches for physical or digital evidence.
- Victim involvement: Victims may be interviewed, be kept informed of key steps in the case, and can be represented by a lawyer during the criminal process. Victims can also join the criminal case as a civil party to claim compensation.
- Protection measures: Police and courts can issue emergency measures, such as removal of the alleged aggressor from a shared home or temporary protection orders. Longer-term protection can be sought through civil or criminal proceedings.
- Time limits and deadlines: Statutes of limitation and procedural deadlines vary according to the severity of the offence and whether the victim is a minor. Because these time limits differ, seek prompt legal advice if you are considering action.
If you are in immediate danger, call the emergency number - 112. If it is safe, seek medical care as soon as possible, especially if there are injuries or a risk of sexually transmitted infection. Avoid washing, changing clothes, showering, or disposing of potential evidence before a forensic exam, if that is possible and safe. You can make a report to the local police, and you can also contact specialized victim support services for confidential help and guidance before or after reporting.
No. Reporting is your choice. Reporting to police starts a criminal investigation, but you may prefer to first speak with a medical professional, a victim support organization, or a lawyer to understand the implications. A lawyer or support worker can explain the difference between making a formal complaint and other steps you can take to protect yourself.
In many cases you can obtain a medical and forensic examination without immediately filing a formal complaint, but local procedures vary. Hospitals or emergency departments can record injuries and collect forensic evidence when requested. If you are unsure, ask the hospital staff, a victim support service, or a lawyer about your options to preserve evidence while you decide whether to report.
Police can take immediate protective steps in emergency situations, for example by asking the alleged perpetrator to leave the premises. Courts can issue temporary or longer-term protection measures, including restraining orders or conditions attached to bail. Your lawyer or victim support service can help you request these measures quickly.
The police will normally open an investigation, collect statements, and forward the file to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor decides whether to pursue charges. Investigations may involve medical reports, witness interviews, and possibly detention of the suspect if there are sufficient grounds. Keep in mind that criminal processes can take time and that the prosecutor controls key decisions about charging and prosecution.
Yes. In Belgium you can seek compensation through the criminal process by joining as a civil party or by bringing a separate civil claim for damages. Compensation can cover medical costs, psychological care, lost income, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can advise on the best route and help prepare documentation to support a claim.
Time limits vary depending on the nature of the offence, the age of the victim at the time, and legal reforms that may affect prescription periods. Some serious sexual offences have longer limitation periods, especially when the victim was a minor. Because these rules are complex, consult a lawyer promptly to understand deadlines that apply to your case.
Yes, minors can be victims and may be able to file a complaint depending on age and circumstances. Special protections exist for minors during investigation and trial, including measures to avoid direct confrontation with the accused, the use of support persons, and child-sensitive interview techniques. Authorities such as youth welfare services have roles in protecting minors and coordinating assistance.
Cases involving family members often require urgent protection measures. Police can work to separate the parties or enforce emergency measures. Courts can order longer-term arrangements. Victim support services can also help with safe housing options and practical needs. A lawyer can advise on criminal charges and civil remedies, including how to pursue protection orders and compensation.
Belgium has a legal aid system called "aide juridique" that can cover part or all of legal fees for people who meet income and asset thresholds. Local courts and the Bar of Liège can explain eligibility and help you apply. Some victim support organizations can also assist with initial legal counseling or refer you to affordable attorneys experienced in sexual abuse cases.
When you need help, consider contacting or asking about these kinds of local resources in Aywaille and the Liège area:
- Local police station or the emergency number - 112 - for immediate danger or to file a report.
- The public prosecutor's office (Procureur du Roi) in the Liège judicial district for information about criminal proceedings.
- Hospitals and emergency departments that can provide medical care and arrange forensic medical examinations.
- Victim support services and counseling centers that provide emotional support, practical advice, and accompaniment through legal and medical procedures.
- Child-focused organizations for cases involving minors, which can provide specialized assistance.
- The Bar of Liège for referrals to lawyers who specialize in criminal and civil cases involving sexual violence.
- Legal aid offices where you can apply for financial assistance to cover lawyer fees if you qualify.
If you or someone you care about needs legal assistance for sexual abuse, here are practical next steps:
- Ensure immediate safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
- Get medical care as soon as possible. A doctor can treat injuries, address health concerns, and, with your consent, arrange for a forensic examination to preserve evidence.
- Preserve evidence. If safe, avoid washing, changing clothes, or cleaning the place where the incident occurred until you have had a chance to speak to medical staff or the police about evidence preservation.
- Consider contacting a victim support organization for confidential emotional and practical support and guidance on reporting options.
- If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer experienced in sexual violence cases. Ask about urgent protective measures, your reporting choices, and whether you qualify for legal aid.
- If you choose to report, go to the local police station or contact the prosecutor. You can be accompanied by a lawyer or a support worker during formal procedures.
- Keep records of medical visits, conversations, and any expenses related to the incident, as these documents help if you pursue compensation.
This guide is informational and does not replace professional legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and your situation may have unique aspects that require tailored legal counsel. If in doubt, speak with a qualified lawyer or a local victim support service promptly.
