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Sexual harassment is prohibited in Belgium and applies equally in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, a bilingual commune of the Brussels-Capital Region. Belgian law defines sexual harassment as any unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. It can occur at work, in education, in housing, when accessing goods and services, in public spaces, and online. Examples include sexual comments, repeated requests for dates after refusal, sharing sexual images without consent, unwanted touching, and quid pro quo situations where benefits are conditioned on sexual favors. Sexual violence such as assault or rape is a criminal offense and is treated separately from harassment, but both can be addressed through legal and support channels.
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe residents benefit from federal protections under anti-discrimination and workplace well-being laws, as well as criminal law where applicable. Local police, prosecutors, labor authorities, and courts in Brussels handle reports and cases. Proceedings and public services are available in French or Dutch, with interpretation options where needed.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and protect your interests. Common situations include recurring harassment at work, harassment by a landlord or service provider, online sexual harassment, retaliation after reporting, or when you are accused of harassment. A lawyer can assess the strength of your evidence, guide you through internal workplace procedures, draft and file complaints with the police or labor authorities, communicate with your employer, negotiates settlements, and represent you before the Labor Court or civil and criminal courts. Legal counsel is especially helpful when there are medical issues, immigration concerns, confidentiality needs, reputational risks, or when your case involves both civil and criminal aspects. A lawyer familiar with Brussels practice can also advise on language choices, local procedures, and deadlines.
Several federal laws govern sexual harassment relevant to Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe. The Act of 10 May 2007 on combating discrimination between women and men prohibits sexual harassment and sex-based harassment in employment and access to goods and services, and provides for civil remedies and protection against retaliation. The Act of 4 August 1996 on the well-being of workers at work and its implementing Royal Decrees require employers to prevent and address psychosocial risks, including violence, harassment, and sexual harassment at work. Employers must provide internal reporting channels, such as a confidential counsellor or prevention adviser, investigate complaints, and take protective measures. The Social Penal Code provides sanctions for employers that fail to comply. The Criminal Code applies in serious cases, for example stalking, threats, or sexual offenses.
Workers have access to an internal psychosocial procedure that can start informally or formally with the employer’s prevention adviser. If internal steps are ineffective or unsafe, you can contact the Federal Labour Inspectorate or the Brussels Labour Auditor. You may also file a police complaint for offenses. Anti-discrimination rules provide specific protections, including a shift of the burden of proof in some cases and compensation for retaliation. Remedies can include a court order to stop the harassment, changes in working conditions, damages, and in some cases reinstatement or compensation if you were penalized for reporting.
Evidence matters. Preserve emails, messages, screenshots, notes, witness details, and medical reports. Be careful with recordings and surveillance. The admissibility of secret recordings and the legality of collecting certain evidence can be complex in Belgium. Consult a lawyer before recording or sharing sensitive material. Time limits apply to internal complaints, discrimination claims, labor claims, and criminal complaints. Do not delay seeking advice so that deadlines are not missed.
In Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, you can interact with bilingual local services. The local police zone is Montgomery, and cases are handled by Brussels judicial authorities. Proceedings can be conducted in French or Dutch. Victim support and Sexual Assault Care Centres in Brussels provide medical care, forensic examination, and psychosocial support after recent sexual violence.
Unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates dignity and creates a hostile or humiliating environment. It includes sexual comments or jokes, invasive questions about your body or sex life, unwanted touching or staring, displaying sexual content, repeated advances after refusal, and quid pro quo situations. One serious incident can be enough if its impact is significant.
Yes. The key is whether the behavior was unwanted and had the effect or purpose of violating your dignity. Clear refusal helps evidence, but the law does not require you to use specific words or formal complaints at the time of the incident.
You can start internally by contacting your employer’s confidential counsellor or prevention adviser for psychosocial risks. You can also file a formal internal request for psychosocial intervention. If that is not safe or effective, contact the Federal Labour Inspectorate or the Brussels Labour Auditor. For criminal conduct, report to the Montgomery police or the Brussels prosecutor. You can pursue multiple avenues in parallel, and a lawyer can help you coordinate them.
Employers have a legal duty to prevent and address harassment. If they fail, you can escalate to the Labour Inspectorate, the Labour Auditor, or the Labour Court. You may seek court orders and damages. An equality body can assist with discrimination aspects. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, draft complaints, and demand corrective measures.
Retaliation for reporting or supporting a complaint is prohibited. If you are dismissed or penalized because you reported harassment, you may be entitled to compensation and other remedies. Act quickly, keep records of any retaliatory acts, and seek legal advice to enforce your protection.
Go to the police if the behavior involves threats, stalking, physical contact, sexual violence, or if you feel unsafe. You can also report non-criminal harassment if you want an official record. If sexual violence occurred recently, consider a Sexual Assault Care Centre in Brussels for medical care and forensic examination. You can bring a trusted person or a lawyer to the police.
Save messages, emails, social media posts, call logs, photos, and screenshots. Write a dated account of what happened, including who was present, times, locations, and how it affected you. Keep medical notes and psychological reports if any. Ask witnesses for written statements. Consult a lawyer before making secret recordings or accessing data that is not yours.
Yes. Different time limits apply for internal workplace procedures, discrimination claims, labor claims, and criminal complaints. Some deadlines can be short. Contact a lawyer or a support organization as soon as possible to identify and meet the relevant limitations.
Yes. The internal psychosocial process allows informal steps, such as facilitated conversations or managerial interventions, if safe. Mediation can be useful in certain cases, but it is not appropriate for serious or criminal conduct. You do not have to accept mediation. A lawyer can advise on whether an informal route makes sense for you.
No. In Brussels you can usually proceed in French or Dutch, and interpretation can be arranged when needed. Police, courts, and many support services can work bilingually. A local lawyer can help you choose the language of proceedings and request interpretation.
Local police - Police zone Montgomery serving Woluwe-Saint-Pierre - Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, Etterbeek, and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
Brussels Public Prosecutor and Labour Auditor - Authorities handling criminal complaints and labor law offenses.
Federal Labour Inspectorate - Toezicht op het Welzijn op het Werk - Contrôle du bien-être au travail for workplace harassment enforcement.
Labour Court of Brussels - Tribunal du travail - Arbeidsrechtbank for employment and discrimination claims.
Institute for the Equality of Women and Men - Institut pour l’Egalité des Femmes et des Hommes - Instituut voor de Gelijkheid van Vrouwen en Mannen for gender discrimination and sexual harassment support.
Unia - Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities for discrimination issues outside gender where relevant.
Sexual Assault Care Centres in Brussels for medical care, forensic examination, and psychosocial support after sexual violence.
Victim Support Services in Brussels Judicial District - Service d’aide aux victimes - Slachtofferonthaal for information and support during criminal proceedings.
Trade unions and employer federations for workplace support and guidance on internal procedures.
Brussels Bar Associations - Ordre des barreaux francophones et germanophone and Orde van Vlaamse Balies sections in Brussels for referrals to lawyers and legal aid.
Prioritize safety and health. If you are in danger or experienced sexual violence, seek urgent medical attention and consider contacting a Sexual Assault Care Centre or the police.
Document everything. Save messages and evidence, and write a detailed timeline with dates, places, witnesses, and impacts.
Use internal channels at work if safe. Contact your confidential counsellor or prevention adviser and consider filing a formal psychosocial request.
Seek legal advice early. A local lawyer can analyze your situation, advise on the best forum, protect deadlines, and communicate with your employer or the authorities. Ask about legal aid if you have limited means or check whether you have legal protection insurance.
Consider external reports. Depending on the facts, contact the Federal Labour Inspectorate, the Labour Auditor, the equality body, or the local police.
Look after your wellbeing. Reach out to trusted friends or family and consider specialized support services in Brussels that offer psychological and practical assistance.
Act promptly. Short deadlines may apply. Early advice improves your options, preserves evidence, and increases the chances of a safe and effective resolution.
