Centres against Sexual Violence put the victim first

9 November 2017

On Thursday, three brand-new Centres against Sexual Violence opened their doors for the first time in Ghent, Brussels and Liège. The centres bring together all possible means of assistance at one address. A network of medical, psychological and judicial specialists is on hand there, ready to help victims. “People looking for help are currently often still sent from pillar to post,” explains Secretary of State for Equal Opportunities Zuhal Demir. “These centres are finally focusing on the victims of sexual violence.”

Sexual abuse remains a taboo in our society. It is thought that 90% of victims never even file a complaint. They fear the stigma, put the blame on themselves or don’t want to cause problems for others. The fragmented care also doesn’t make it easy for them to share their story and demand that their rights be respected. As a result, the Centres for Sexual Violence haven’t arrived a moment too soon.

Completely new model of care

The centres provide a completely new model of care, which has already proved its worth abroad. Apart from giving victims and those around them medical and psychological assistance, the centres also collect and retain evidence. The three pilot projects are getting off the ground in the UZ Ghent, the UMC Sint-Pieter in Brussels and the UMC of Liège.

“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone to have to visit one of these centres as a victim,” Zuhal Demir concludes. “However, should it ever be necessary, these centres are the best possible place to start the healing process in all its facets.”

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