During the past three weeks the 1712 helpline has handled 31% more calls about violence and sexual abuse. The recent sharp rise in the number of calls to the helpline on these issues has come in the wake of the case of the former VRT radio presenter Pichal, who was arrested in August for the possession and distribution of child pornography, and the broadcasting by the VRT of a documentary series about child sexual abuse by clergymen.
During the past three weeks the helpline has received around 820 calls concerning almost 1,100 victims. This is one third more than the help line received during the same period last year. Most of these are children that have been victims of physical and/or sexual abuse.
The helpline’s coordinator Wim Van de Voorde told VRT News that "On the one hand, adults contact us because they are concerned about the welfare of a child. On the other hand people contact us that suffered violence as a child are looking for a listening ear". 660 of the 880 calls (75%) of the calls were about children who may have been victims of physical and/or sexual abuse.
"That is an increase of more than 40% on this time last year” Mr Van de Voorde explains. The abuse is usually perpetrated within the family. However, the helpline also receives dozens of calls about abuse in schools, boarding schools, youth facilities and other institutions.
"Godvergeten" and Sven Pichal
The helpline says that the increase in the number of calls concerning child abuse can at least in part be explained by the recent VRT Canvas documentary series "Godvergeten" about abuse in the Catholic Church. "Several victims, or people very close to them have explicitly referred to the documentary. It is the first time, with the exception of a documentary that was once broadcast about domestic violence, that a television program has had such a major impact on the number of calls to 1712," Mr Van de Voorde said.
In some cases those that call the helpline had remained silent for 5 or even 50 years."In the series, people dare to tell their stories after a long time. This has moved other victims to contact us. These are sometimes people that have remained silent for 5 or even 50 years about the abuse they suffered as a child."
The investigation into the radio presenter Sven Pichal who is currently on remand after having been arrested for the possession and distribution of images of sexual abuse of minors has also moved victims to talk. "Not only do victims contact our helpline, but also people that are close to them. They are often also traumatised about what happened to their loved one and they too want to talk. They also deserve to be given support." Wim Van de Voorde concluded.
If you have a question about physical, sexual or other forms of abuse you can contact the 1712 helpline. Children and young people can also contact Awel on the freephone number 102 or via the organisations’ website.
Those that are concerned that they might have inappropriate feelings towards minors or are concerned about another person’s behaviour can contact Stop it Now! 0800-200 50 or via questions@stopitnow.be.
Any suspected crime should of course be reported to the police.