Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Hasselt

About Sexual Abuse Law in Hasselt, Belgium

Sexual abuse is a crime under Belgian law and covers any sexual act without valid consent, including unwanted touching, rape, coercion, grooming, exploitation, and the non-consensual recording or sharing of intimate images. Hasselt follows Belgian national criminal law, with cases handled by the local police zone and the Public Prosecutor for Limburg. Victims can report to the police in Hasselt or seek confidential medical and forensic care at a Sexual Assault Care Center. Both victims and those accused have important legal rights and should consider timely legal advice.

Belgium reformed its sexual criminal law in 2022 to modernize definitions, strengthen consent standards, and better address digital abuse. Consent must be free and informed. It can be withdrawn at any time. Sexual acts with minors are strictly penalized. The law recognizes aggravating factors such as the use of violence, threats, intoxication, abuse of authority, and the victim being a minor or in a vulnerable situation.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

If you are a victim, a lawyer can explain your options before you report, protect your privacy, help you seek protective measures, and represent you in criminal proceedings as a civil party to claim compensation. A lawyer can coordinate with medical and psychosocial services, help preserve evidence, and guide you on filing an impact statement and compensation claim, including applications to the state compensation commission for victims of intentional violence.

If you are accused, a lawyer safeguards your rights from the first police interview, attends interrogations, assesses the evidence, challenges unlawful procedures, and builds your defense. Early legal assistance can influence pre-trial release conditions, plea options, expert examinations, and the overall strategy.

In workplace or school settings, legal help is often needed to navigate internal complaint procedures, labor law protections, disciplinary processes, and parallel criminal complaints. In cases involving minors or cross-border issues, a lawyer helps coordinate with youth care, guardianship, and international cooperation mechanisms.

Local Laws Overview

Key criminal definitions apply in Hasselt as they do across Belgium. Rape is any non-consensual penetration, of any kind, and is a serious crime. Sexual assault covers other non-consensual sexual acts or touching. Image-based abuse includes recording someone in a sexual context without consent, or sharing intimate images without consent. Grooming of minors, sexual exploitation, forced prostitution, and human trafficking are separate offenses with severe penalties.

Consent must be freely given and cannot be obtained through violence, threats, coercion, deception, surprise, or abuse of authority. A person who is asleep, unconscious, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to consent cannot give valid consent. Consent to one act is not consent to another, and consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Minors are specially protected. The legal age of sexual consent is 16 in Belgium. Sexual acts with a person under 16 are criminal offenses. Penalties are heavier for younger victims or where there is coercion, violence, or an imbalance of power. Production, possession, and distribution of child sexual abuse material are strictly prohibited.

Digital offenses are fully covered. Non-consensual sharing of intimate images, sexual extortion, online harassment, and grooming can be prosecuted even if the original act occurred online. Courts can order removal of illegal content and protective measures.

Victims have procedural rights, including the right to be treated with respect, to be informed about the case, to be accompanied by a support person, to request certain investigative steps, and to claim damages in the criminal case. Protective measures can include restraining orders, no-contact conditions, and special arrangements during questioning or testimony.

Limitation periods exist, but for serious sexual offenses they can be lengthy. For offenses against minors, the time limit often starts when the victim turns 18, allowing more time to report. The exact period depends on the offense. Seek legal advice for precise calculation.

Workplace sexual harassment is addressed under labor and welfare legislation. Employers must prevent psychosocial risks, offer confidential reporting channels, and take corrective measures. Complaints can proceed internally and, where criminal behavior is involved, also through the police and prosecutor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual abuse under Belgian law

Sexual abuse includes any sexual act without valid consent, ranging from unwanted touching to rape. It also covers coercion, abuse of authority, sexual harassment when it meets criminal thresholds, exploitation, grooming, and non-consensual recording or sharing of intimate images. The specific legal classification depends on the conduct and circumstances.

Do I need to report immediately for it to be a crime

No. It is still a crime even if you do not report right away. However, reporting sooner can help preserve evidence and can make investigation easier. For serious offenses, limitation periods can be long, and for crimes against minors they often start at age 18. Get legal advice about timing in your situation.

How do I report sexual abuse in Hasselt

You can report at any police station, including the local police zone serving Hasselt. In urgent situations call 101 or 112. You can also go to a Sexual Assault Care Center for medical care and evidence collection and choose to file a police complaint there. Bring any evidence you have, but do not delay seeking medical attention if needed.

Do I have to undergo a medical or forensic exam

No, but it is strongly recommended for your health and to preserve evidence. A Sexual Assault Care Center can provide confidential care, testing, emergency contraception, and forensic examination. Ideally evidence is collected as soon as possible, within 24-72 hours, but care can be provided later as well.

Can I report if I was drinking or using drugs

Yes. Being intoxicated does not negate the crime. In fact, the law recognizes that someone who is intoxicated or unconscious cannot give valid consent. Medical staff can support you and document relevant findings, and the police can investigate.

What if the abuse happened online

Online sexual abuse is covered. Non-consensual sharing of intimate images, sexual extortion, online harassment, cyber grooming, and threats are criminal offenses. You should preserve evidence by taking screenshots, noting usernames and platforms, and reporting quickly. Courts can order content removal and protective measures.

Will I have to face the suspect

Courts can arrange protective measures to avoid direct contact, such as separate waiting areas, video testimony, screens in court, or remote testimony in appropriate cases. Speak with your lawyer and the victim support service to plan for your comfort and safety.

Can I get compensation

Yes. You can claim damages for medical costs, psychological harm, lost income, and other losses by joining the criminal case as a civil party. In some situations, if recovery from the offender is not possible, you may apply to a state compensation commission for victims of intentional violence. A lawyer can guide you through both routes.

I am accused of a sexual offense. What should I do

Exercise your right to remain silent until you have spoken to a lawyer. You have the right to legal assistance before and during police interviews. Your lawyer will assess the evidence, advise on statements, request investigative steps, and challenge unlawful procedures. Early legal advice is critical.

Can I get a lawyer if I cannot afford one

Yes. Belgium provides second-line legal aid, often called pro deo assistance, for people with limited income. You can request this through the local legal aid bureau associated with the bar in Hasselt. Eligibility depends on your financial situation and the case type.

Additional Resources

Local police in Hasselt can be contacted for urgent help via 101 or 112, and for non-urgent reports at the nearest police station in the Limburg Regio Hoofdstad zone.

The Public Prosecutor for Limburg has a victim support service that informs victims about case progress and available protections.

Sexual Assault Care Center services are available in Limburg and provide 24-7 medical care, forensic exams, and psychosocial support with the option to report to police.

CAW Limburg offers victim support, counseling, and practical guidance for those affected by sexual violence.

Helpline 1712 in Flanders provides free confidential advice about violence, abuse, and harassment, including sexual violence.

Institute for the Equality of Women and Men provides information and support related to gender-based violence and rights.

Toezicht op het Welzijn op het Werk can advise on workplace psychosocial risks and employer obligations in cases of workplace sexual harassment.

Commission for Financial Aid to Victims of Intentional Acts of Violence provides state compensation in eligible cases when offenders cannot pay damages.

Hospitals in Hasselt and the wider Limburg region, including emergency departments, can issue medical certificates and refer to specialized services.

Next Steps

If you are in immediate danger, call 101 or 112. Seek medical care as soon as possible, ideally without washing or changing clothes, to preserve evidence. A Sexual Assault Care Center can provide confidential care and coordinate a forensic exam even if you are undecided about reporting.

Document what happened while details are fresh. Save messages, images, clothing, and any digital evidence. Make a note of dates, times, locations, and potential witnesses.

Consult a lawyer early. In Hasselt, you can arrange a confidential consultation to understand your options, protective measures, and next steps in criminal and civil proceedings. Ask about pro deo legal aid if cost is a concern.

Decide with your lawyer how to proceed. Options include filing a police complaint, joining as a civil party to claim damages, requesting protective conditions or a restraining order, and initiating workplace or school procedures if relevant.

Connect with support services. Victim support in Limburg and helpline 1712 can assist with safety planning, counseling, and practical matters such as leave from work, housing, and financial assistance.

If you are accused, contact a lawyer before speaking to authorities. Provide your lawyer with any evidence, messages, or potential witnesses that may be relevant to your defense.

Throughout the process, prioritize your safety and well-being. Legal professionals and local services in Hasselt can work together to protect your rights and help you move forward.