Unions demand safety guarantees after social worker killed in Ghent

Belgian trade unions are calling for stronger safety measures for public service workers after a 56-year-old social worker was fatally stabbed during a home visit in the Nieuw Gent district on Wednesday.

Police found the victim, an experienced employee of the Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW), dead in an apartment on Kikvorsstraat after he failed to return from an appointment. The suspect, a 38-year-old resident of the flat with no known criminal record, was arrested elsewhere in the city and is being questioned. The motive remains unclear.

Acting mayor Hafsa El-Bazioui expressed condolences and closed the local welfare office for the day. Unions ACOD and ACV described the killing as a shocking escalation of violence against frontline workers. They are urging measures such as banning solo visits to high-risk homes. “Police always go in pairs. Why should social workers be different?” said ACOD’s Stephan Van de Meirssche.

ACV’s Peter Wieme added: “Workers carrying out home visits often face people dealing with multiple problems, from financial difficulties to tense family situations. These visits are rarely easy.”

The incident took place in a social housing tower due to be demolished as part of the area’s regeneration. Local authorities and housing agency Thuispunt said they would provide support to residents and staff affected.

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