Every month in Belgium, around 2 women are killed by their (ex-) partner. So far this year the tally stands at 20 fatalities. ‘The problem often remains hidden until a fatality occurs,’ says Liesbet Stevens of the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men , marking today’s international day against violence against women.
Stephanie, Maria, Ingrid, Marijke, Veronique are all names of victims who died this year as a result of partner violence. In the first months of 2024, at least 20 victims were recorded. There are as yet no official figures for now, so VRT News relied on its own reporting and information from police and prosecutors' offices to compile data.
The 20 fatalities at the beginning of the year are just the tip of the iceberg. ‘It is an issue that often remains hidden until it turns fatal,’ says Liesbet Stevens of the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men.
‘Most cases of fatal partner violence are preceded by non-fatal partner violence. Often the police are already aware that there are problems in a particular family or relationship,’ Stevens explains.
In 2023, for instance, there were about 260 cases of potentially lethal partner violence in Belgium. About 10 per cent of these ended in a fatality. The others, so to speak, ‘got lucky’.
‘But then you also have the victims of lethal sexual violence and honour-based violence. And then there is the problem that people don't always contact the police or the justice system, so sometimes no one knows what is happening to these people.’
Femicide
Figures have not been systematically tracked until now. This is about to change because ‘to measure is to know’. The Institute for the Equality of Women and Men is collecting data and will produce an annual report from 2026 onwards.
This is thanks to the new ‘Femicide Law’ that entered force in October last year. Femicide is a hate crime against women in which women are killed because they are women. ‘Indeed, all indications are that most victims of partner violence are women,’ Stevens says. ‘But we know that men may also be victims, and we also bring these cases into focus.’
In full the Femicide Act is called the ‘Act for the Prevention and Combating of Femicides and Gender-based Killings’.
Thresholds
‘In recent years, the police and judiciary have really made enormous efforts to respond to such cases more adequately,’ argues Liesbet Stevens. ‘For example, they now work with a risk assessment tool to evaluate in a more scientifically based way what steps should urgently be taken by the police and judiciary.’
‘Yet we see that sometimes things still go wrong, and the right approach is not taken. Moreover, that risk assessment needs to be repeated regularly. Risks can increase or decrease. You have to follow that up regularly’. Not only police and justice have a role to play, Stevens also adds.
‘It should also be easier to talk about such matters when someone goes to the GP or another counsellor. We need to make it easier for people to inform the authorities and say ‘Look, I'm in an abusive relationship, I need help’ without triggering an immediate intervention by the police or judiciary.’
What can you do if you are or know a victim?
I am a victim:
Talking is very important. Take someone into your confidence. This could be a family member, but also your GP or a trusted person. You can also always call 1712, the helpline for questions about violence, abuse and child abuse. This is a very accessible phone line: it is anonymous and will not show up on your phone bill. Of course, you can also always contact the police, on 101.
I know a victim:
Often victims of partner violence become isolated from friends and family. If you notice this, it is important to try to keep in touch. Here is a list of five tips on how to support or help a victim.
Let them know you are there, offer a listening ear without making a judgement.
Refer to professional help.
Do not impose your opinion about the violent partner. This is counterproductive, because victims tend to shut themselves off from you. And they must take the step to counselling themselves.
Be discreet and don't play down the problem.
In an emergency, contact the police on 101.