Understanding Mechanisms, Nature, Magnitude and Impact of Sexual Violence in Belgium: Final report

Abstract

Sexual violence (SV) is a major public health, judicial and societal concern in Belgium. A comparative and representative study of SV in Belgium was still lacking. The UN-MENAMAIS study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms, nature, magnitude and impact of sexual violence on female, male and transgender victims, their peers, offspring, professionals and society in Belgium and generate policy recommendations and prevention and response strategies. This mixed methods study showed that sexual violence is prevalent in Belgium and affects people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations and legal statuses. Being sexually victimized is linked to worse mental health outcomes across the life course. Moreover, victims find it difficult to disclose what happened, to seek professional help and to report to the police. Furthermore, doctors are not sufficiently aware of the care they should provide, nor of the potential impact of a forensic examination and do not systematically refer victims of sexual violence to adequate care, forensic or legal authorities. Regardless of the forensic model considered, victims find it difficult to gain recognition from the courts because of the judicial logic, which involves specific principles of proof and for which forensic evidence is not always sufficient.