The authorities in Belgium have made laudable efforts to implement the Istanbul Convention in recent years, according to the Council of Europe's expert group on violence against women (GREVIO). However, further action is required in a number of areas to fully comply with the convention.
Following an initial evaluation in September 2020, GREVIO has today published its first thematic report on Belgium, assessing the wide variety of measures subsequently taken by the authorities to prevent violence against women and domestic violence, and to provide protection, support and justice for victims.
Important steps to protect women and children from violence
Today's report notably welcomes the adoption of several laws to better protect women and their children from violence at the hands of their partners, including the wide-ranging Law on femicide. Changes to legislation have signalled a move towards a more "only-yes-means-yes" approach when it comes to rape, in line with the convention, and sharing non-consensual sexual images has been banned, among other things.
GREVIO also praises Belgium's continued progress in providing services to victims of sexual and domestic violence, highlighting the excellent example of sexual violence support centres being accessible within one hour from any point in the country.
In addition, the report welcomes the country's dedication to providing multidisciplinary support to victims in all parts of the country, as well as improved training on sexual and domestic violence in the legal and healthcare sectors.
Protection-order system among areas in focus
Nevertheless, GREVIO identifies a number of areas which require urgent action by the authorities.
These include the fact that data collection is insufficient - notably in the judiciary, law and healthcare - and data remains fragmented between different institutions at different levels of authority.
Furthermore, the number of shelter places available across the country remains too low and there is a need for urgent measures to be taken to improve access, which most victims currently have to pay for.
GREVIO also notes significant shortcomings in Belgian law and practice relating to custody and visitation rights, noting that violence against women is often downplayed by civil-court judges, to the detriment of victims and their children, thus exposing them to further risk.
In addition, the report stresses the need for the authorities to strengthen and broaden the system of restraining and protection orders, which currently offers insufficient protection and remains in need of reform.
Today's report has been published together with the response of the Belgian authorities.
GREVIO is the independent expert body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (known as the "Istanbul Convention") by the Parties.
Belgium and the Council of Europe
