Why report — even if you are unsure
Of the men who experience partner violence, barely 3% report it. Understandably: many men wonder whether their story is "bad enough", feel ashamed or fear they will not be believed. Yet there are good reasons to take the step:
- Protection. Measures such as a no-contact order or a temporary exclusion order are only possible if the facts are known to the police or the prosecutor.
- A trace in the file. Every police report documents the pattern. That matters if the situation escalates, and protects you against reversed accusations after a separation.
- You are not starting a lawsuit. Reporting only means that the facts are officially registered; the public prosecutor decides what happens next.
Not sure whether this is violence? Read about recognizing the signs or call 1712 anonymously.
How to prepare
- Medical certificate. Have injuries documented as soon as possible by your GP or the emergency department. Belgian GPs have a standard certificate for physical violence; psychological consequences can also be certified. Ask for a copy.
- Gather evidence. Photos of injuries or damage, messages and e-mails, dates of incidents, names of witnesses. Recording a conversation you take part in is in principle not a criminal offence — distributing it can be; the judge assesses its evidential value.
- Bring someone. A person you trust may accompany you to the police station.
- Still living together? Think about your safety in advance with a safety plan.
Step by step: how reporting works
- Acute incident? Call 101 (or 112 if someone is injured). The police come to the scene and draw up an official report (procès-verbal, "PV").
- Not acute? Go to a police station of your choice — not necessarily in the zone where the facts happened. In many zones you can book an appointment online via police.be.
- Give your statement. Name everything: also psychological, verbal and financial violence, and earlier incidents. For partner violence the police are obliged to draw up an official report (circular COL 4/2006), even without visible injuries.
- Have everything recorded. You may ask that your answers are written down in your own words.
- Read the report before you sign. You have the right to correct or add to your statement, and you are not obliged to sign if something is not right.
- Ask for the report number and the certificate of your complaint. These allow you to follow up the case later. A copy of your statement is free.
- Register as an injured party. You can do this immediately at the police station; that way you are kept informed about your file.
What happens to your report?
The official report goes to the office of the public prosecutor (procureur du Roi / procureur des Konings), who decides what happens next:
- Dismissal (classement sans suite): the case is shelved, for example for lack of evidence. This is not final: the file can be reopened if new elements appear.
- Penal mediation: an alternative settlement outside court.
- Prosecution: the case goes to court.
As a registered injured party you are notified of a dismissal (with the reason), of a judicial investigation and of a court date.
Disagree with a dismissal? You can file a complaint with civil party petition before the investigating judge, who must then open a judicial investigation. This involves costs (an advance set by the judge); have a lawyer assist you or ask for free advice from first-line legal aid.
What if you are not taken seriously?
At the desk, male victims sometimes meet disbelief or ridicule. That is not acceptable — and you are not powerless:
- You have the right to have your report recorded. Explicitly ask that an official report is drawn up and that you receive a certificate of your complaint.
- Go elsewhere. You can report at any police station or write directly to the public prosecutor.
- An independent trace. A medical certificate exists independently of what the police do.
- A complaint about the police themselves? Turn to Comité P, the independent police oversight body.
- Seek support. 1712 is free and anonymous, and does not appear on your phone bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can I report without evidence?
Yes. Your statement is itself an element in the file, and the police must record your report — even without visible injuries or other evidence. A medical certificate, messages or witnesses strengthen your file, but are not a condition.
What does it cost to report?
Nothing. Reporting to the police is free; you receive a certificate of your complaint and a copy of your statement free of charge. A later complaint with civil party petition before the investigating judge does cost money (an advance or deposit set by the judge).
Can I withdraw my complaint later?
You can tell the public prosecutor that you no longer wish prosecution, but that does not automatically stop the case. Partner violence is prosecuted ex officio: the prosecutor decides independently whether to shelve or pursue the case, even without your cooperation.
Will my partner be arrested immediately?
Usually not. For serious recent facts the police can hold someone for a maximum of 48 hours; after that the investigating judge decides on detention or release, possibly under conditions such as a no-contact order. The public prosecutor can also impose a temporary exclusion order of up to 14 days, which the family court can extend by up to three months.