Flanders launches 115 measures to combat gender-based violence
The Flemish government is stepping up its efforts to tackle gender-based violence with a new action plan. Building on earlier initiatives against sexual violence, it broadens the scope of intervention and introduces several new priorities.
The new plan sets out 115 actions that cover the full spectrum of gender-based violence, from domestic abuse and female genital mutilation to sexual misconduct. Particular attention is given to stalking by ex-partners, as this often remains undetected for months and can escalate into lethal violence.
The government promises better risk assessment, information sharing and case follow-up in order to intervene earlier and offer stronger protection.
Cycles of abuse
Justice minister Zuhal Demir also intends to encourage more municipalities to join the Safe House network. Currently, there are 10 locations where the police, justice system and social support agencies work together to manage domestic violence cases. Demir argues that broader participation will reduce violence, protect children and break intergenerational cycles of abuse.
Additional measures include an external review of how higher education institutions handle sexual misconduct. This will cover reporting systems, procedures and safeguarding structures. Flanders will also introduce an annual Day of the Forgotten Victim on 23 February.
Another strand is innovation. VITO, the Flemish Institute for Technological Research, will examine whether portable, reusable detection tools, such as wristbands, can reliably identify the presence of rape drugs and help reduce spiking incidents.
Partner violence
Each year, police in Flanders record around 28,000 cases of domestic violence, three-quarters of which are cases of intimate partner violence. More than 16,500 girls and women are affected by, or are at risk of, female genital mutilation.
Online sexual violence is also increasing rapidly. Last year, Child Focus received more than 350 reports concerning coercive sexting and sextortion, while three in four young people reported receiving unsolicited explicit images.
"Gender-based violence occurs in homes, relationships, schools, sports clubs, public spaces and online,," Demir said. "This plan shows that Flanders is finally confronting the problem head-on."
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JILL DELSAUX
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