Belgium's centralized support model for sexual assault victims becomes a benchmark
Belgium's Centres for the Care of Sexual Violence (CPVS) offer a one-stop-shop approach, combining medical, psychological and police assistance. Since nationwide rollout in 2020, reports have quadrupled.
Belgium has developed an innovative system to combat sexual violence that is drawing international attention. The Centres for the Care of Sexual Violence (CPVS) operate on a one-stop-shop principle – a victim only needs to enter one door to receive help from a doctor, forensic nurse, psychologist and a specialized police officer.
The model began as a pilot project in three hospitals. After the first scientific evaluation showed convincing results, the government decided in 2020 to roll it out nationwide. In three years, the number of reports filed through the CPVS quadrupled. Currently, an average of 11 people come to the centres every day.
This approach stands in contrast to the situation in France, where the Lyhanna case exposed the fragmentation of the system for handling sexual violence against minors. Belgium's model is seen as an example of how to effectively support victims and encourage reporting.
