Valerie Van Peel: “No more second chances for child abusers — we must protect our children”

The N-VA wants to put an end to the alarming lack of supervision of convicted child abusers. Through a new legislative proposal, the party aims to introduce a contact ban for offenders who continue to pose a danger after serving their sentence. “It has to stop that offenders with no sense of guilt or responsibility are allowed to create new victims,” said N-VA chair Valerie Van Peel.

Today, one in ten children experiences abuse. Despite criminal convictions, follow-up monitoring of offenders after their release is often virtually nonexistent. The N-VA wants to close this legal loophole by introducing a contact ban that would apply both professionally and privately.

No remorse, no contact

According to Valerie Van Peel, the measure is necessary because too many offenders simply reoffend. She points to harrowing cases such as that of baby Dean, whose killer had previously served a sentence for murdering another child. “There are still far too many stories of child abusers making new victims over long periods of time, even within new families,” Van Peel said. “Even after serving their sentence, offenders who show no remorse or insight into their actions must continue to be monitored in their interactions with children.”

She describes the lack of remorse shown by some offenders as deeply disturbing. Recalling the trial concerning baby Xena, who endured months of abuse, Van Peel said: “I saw absolutely no sense of guilt there. The only emotion they showed was when their sentences were handed down. Those people are back on the streets today without any supervision. That has to stop.”

A new tool for judges

The bill, which is being championed in parliament by MP Sophie De Wit, would give judges the power to impose a 15-year contact ban, renewable on the basis of a risk assessment. One of the proposal’s key advantages is the reversal of the burden of proof.

“Today, victims already struggle to prove the facts. With this ban, there is nothing left to prove: if the offender is found near children, that fact alone is sufficient.”

The society of tomorrow

Child abuse does not only scar individuals — it damages society as a whole. Valerie Van Peel stresses that children who suffer abuse are more likely later in life to struggle with health problems and criminal behaviour.

“This is the society of tomorrow that we keep allowing to be destroyed, over and over again. I have long argued that we need to reverse the logic: give children opportunities instead of giving offenders endless second chances.”

The proposal has now been included in the federal coalition agreement. With this initiative, the N-VA is taking what it considers a crucial step toward placing children’s safety above the freedom of movement of dangerous repeat offenders.