International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: safe.brussels renews its commitment

On this international day against violence against women, safe.brussels and the Brussels-Capital Region are reaffirming their commitment to the fight against gender-based violence. 

Some revealing figures...

The latest data from the safe.brussels Observatory shows that domestic violence is still a scourge in the Brussels Region: 

• More than 6 incidents of physical violence within couples recorded every day by the police in the BCR in 2023 (2,344 incidents in total).
• Concerning the gendered nature of domestic violence: 
  • A male suspect was identified in 92% of cases of physical violence and 74% of cases of psychological violence.
  • 62% of victims are women.
• Two feminicides were recorded in the Brussels Region in 2023 (out of a total of 26 in Belgium).

These figures provide a clear picture of the situation in the Brussels Region, an essential first step towards effective action. They highlight the need to provide specialised, coordinated care for victims.

Olista: a centre for comprehensive care

In 2024, the Brussels Region took a step forward with the launch of Olista, the first centre dedicated to domestic violence. This innovative centre offers comprehensive care for victims, integrating legal, psycho-social, administrative and medical services. It also advocates a holistic approach, thanks to close collaboration with various regional players.

Olista aims to be the reference point for victim support, offering them concrete tools to help rebuild their lives.

Find out more about Olista: safe.brussels/olista

Accessible services for victims

The Brussels-Capital Region also offers other essential resources for victims:

• EVA (Emergency Victim Assistance) units for victims of sexual and domestic violence. This unit offers a specific and appropriate welcome for victims, avoiding any secondary victimisation that could result from inappropriate behaviour on the part of law enforcement officers. Full information on EVA units: safe.brussels/violences. 
• The STOP violence website (stop-violence.brussels), launched this year by equal.brussels, which centralises the information and resources available to combat sexist and sexual violence in the Brussels Region.

Daily efforts to help victims

Through its actions, the Brussels-Capital Region, its departments and administrations work every day to protect victims of gender-based violence, support them in rebuilding their lives through appropriate care, and raise public awareness to prevent such violence and encourage collective solidarity.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, safe.brussels is calling for greater mobilisation to ensure that every woman can live in dignity and safety.