Helpline 1712
For questions about violence, abuse and child maltreatment — also after separation.
Suicide prevention line
If you have suicidal thoughts.
- 📞 1813 (free, 24/7)
- 🌐 zelfmoord1813.be
Keertij vzw — Peer support group for men
- 📍 Ghent, Belgium
- ✉️ ruth@keertij.be
- 🌐 keertij.be
CAW — General Social Welfare Centre
- 🌐 caw.be
- Ask explicitly for guidance for male victims
Victim assistance
- 🌐 slachtofferhulp.be
- Legal and practical support for crime victims
Legal advice
- Consult a lawyer before leaving the family home — consequences for custody and property rights
- In case of a counter-report: seek legal advice immediately
- Document evidence and keep it out of your partner's reach
Legal service of the IEFH
The Institute for the Equality of Women and Men (IEFH) provides free and confidential legal advice and assistance for gender-based violence and discrimination — including to men. For example, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, deepfakes, digital sexual violence or sexist harassment.
- 📞 0800 12 800 (press 1) — Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am–12pm · Wed 1pm–4pm
- 🌐 Report online via igvm-iefh.belgium.be (in Dutch / French)
- Note: the IEFH does not handle divorce, custody or parental authority disputes
Temporary exclusion order
In Belgium, a temporary exclusion order can be requested in cases of serious and immediate danger.
- Initial duration: maximum 14 days (imposed by the public prosecutor)
- The family court can extend it by up to 3 months
- Request via the police or public prosecutor's office
- Temporary exclusion order — Vlaanderen.be
No immediate danger, but you want to prepare? Follow the step-by-step safety plan.
The first 24 hours: practical steps
- Find a safe location — do not go back if it is not safe
- Call 1712 — they guide you step by step and can refer you to shelter
- Have injuries documented by a doctor — GP, on-call doctor or ER physician; as soon as possible after the incident
- Save messages — SMS, email, WhatsApp: export or take screenshots and store them out of your partner's reach
- Tell a trusted person — someone who knows what happened
Privacy when seeking help
Professionals (1712, CAW, GP) are bound by professional secrecy. You do not need to give your name when calling 1712. You can also chat anonymously via 1712.be.
- Use a neutral email address if you have privacy concerns at home
- Call from a phone your partner cannot monitor
- Delete call history if needed for your own safety
Keeping evidence safe
- Store documents and photos out of your partner's reach — cloud storage, or email to yourself or a trusted person
- Record incidents in a log: date, time, what was said or done, witnesses
- Keep medical reports of injuries
- Save legally relevant communications before deleting them
Considering reporting? Read what to expect from the police and prosecutor.
Frequently asked questions
What does the police do if I call 101 for partner violence?
The police come to the scene, separate the parties and draw up an official report. Always ask for the report number. In cases of serious and immediate danger, the public prosecutor can impose a temporary exclusion order on your partner. State clearly that you are the victim and show any injuries or messages.
What if the police don't believe me or don't take me seriously?
Insist that your statement is recorded in an official report — that is your right. Have injuries documented by a doctor and keep the certificate. Then call 1712 for support. About the police intervention itself, you can file a complaint with Committee P, the Belgian police oversight body.
Can I find shelter tonight?
In immediate danger, call 112 or 101. For urgent crisis shelter, call the CAW on 0800 13 500 — men are also welcome, with or without children. Outside office hours, the police can refer you to crisis shelter in your region.
Does my call to 1712 show up on the phone bill?
No. Calling 1712 is free and the call does not appear on your phone bill. You do not have to give your name; the conversation is confidential. You can also chat anonymously via 1712.be if calling from home is not safe.