Belgian Parliament approves modernisation of sexual criminal law

The sexual criminal law has been officially approved in the Belgian Parliament. From now on, those who are guilty of rape will be punished more severely. Perpetrators no longer risk a maximum prison sentence of five years, but ten years. Those who drug their victims can even get fifteen years in prison. 

With the reform, Minister of Justice Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open VLD) wants to combat sexual violence. In Belgium, rape is reported eight times a day on average. The actual number of cases is estimated at eighty. Only 10 percent of the rape reports lead to a conviction. The reform of sexual criminal law is intended to change this. 

The new law tightens up a series of definitions. Consent will play a key role. If there is no consent, it is a criminal offence. Consent presupposes free will and is judged in the light of the circumstances of the case. Violation of honour is now called assault on sexual ​
​integrity. Here too, lack of consent will give rise to prosecution. 

The definition of rape has also changed. The penetration no longer needs to be complete. Consent may be withdrawn during the act, which may be relevant in cases of 'stealthing', when the sexual partner removes the condom during the act. 

In addition, voyeurism is redefined. From now on, it does not only apply to people who are bared. This act is punishable by imprisonment from 6 months to 5 years, depending on the severity of the offence. This maximum penalty may be increased in the event of one or more aggravating circumstances. Incest or sexual acts within the family without consent are also aggravating circumstances.

©BELGA