Preserving evidence after sexual violence is a critical step for victims in Belgium who seek justice, access appropriate medical care, or regain a sense of control following a traumatic event. This detailed guide explores why collecting evidence is essential, the specific steps to follow in Belgium, and the precautions to take to maximize the preservation of forensic evidence. Designed to be clear and comprehensive, this guide includes information tailored to the Belgian context, with references to local services such as the Sexual Violence Care Centres (CPVS) and practical advice for victims.

Why Is It Important to Collect Evidence After Sexual Violence?

Collecting evidence after a sexual assault is a fundamental step for several reasons, whether it’s to support legal action, ensure appropriate medical care, or protect the victim in the long term. Below are the main reasons explained in detail:

1. Supporting Legal Proceedings in Belgium

In Belgium, material and forensic evidence is essential for pursuing legal action against the perpetrator of sexual violence. This evidence can be used when filing a police report or during criminal proceedings in court. For instance, traces such as DNA, textile fibers, or bodily fluids can corroborate the victim’s testimony and strengthen the legal case. In Belgium, the judicial system relies on concrete evidence to establish facts, making preservation crucial for achieving justice.

2. Providing Forensic Evidence

Forensic evidence, such as biological samples (semen, saliva, hair) or physical marks (bruises, scratches), helps document the assault and establish a timeline of events. In Belgium, the Sexual Violence Care Centres (CPVS), located in cities like Brussels, Ghent, and Liège, are specialized in collecting this evidence. A forensic examination conducted within 72 hours of the assault is particularly important, as some traces, like DNA, degrade quickly. These elements can be used as evidence in a criminal investigation.

3. Facilitating Medical Care

Evidence collection is not limited to legal purposes. It also enables healthcare professionals to identify the victim’s specific medical needs. A medical examination can reveal visible or invisible injuries requiring immediate treatment. In Belgium, CPVS offer comprehensive care, including tests to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV and the administration of emergency contraception if needed. These centers also provide psychological support to help victims cope with trauma.

4. Ensuring Future Safety

Collecting evidence can help identify the perpetrator, reducing the risk of further victimizations. In Belgium, collected evidence can be shared with law enforcement to facilitate the identification and arrest of the perpetrator. This can also enable protective measures, such as restraining orders or personalized safety advice. CPVS collaborate with police and judicial services to ensure a coordinated approach.

5. Promoting Personal Empowerment

For many victims, collecting evidence represents a form of self-protection and empowerment. After a traumatic event like sexual violence, this step can help regain control and allow victims to feel like active participants in their recovery process. In Belgium, CPVS provide a safe and respectful environment where victims can make informed decisions about evidence collection and next steps, whether it involves filing a complaint immediately or preserving evidence for future action.

When and Why Act Quickly in Belgium?

Time is a critical factor in collecting evidence after sexual violence. Experts recommend acting within 72 hours of the assault, as some traces, such as bodily fluids, degrade rapidly. In Belgium, CPVS are designed to intervene within this critical timeframe. These centers, located in hospitals such as UZ Brussel, UZ Gent, or CHU Liège, have evidence collection kits (often called forensic kits) and trained staff to assist victims with empathy and professionalism. However, even after 72 hours, it is still possible to collect certain evidence, such as visible injuries or clothing worn during the assault. The decision to collect evidence is entirely up to the victim. In Belgium, CPVS allow evidence to be preserved without requiring an immediate police report, offering valuable flexibility. Victims can store evidence for future action, giving them time to consider their options.

Practical Tips for Preserving Evidence in Belgium

Below is a detailed list of steps to follow to preserve evidence after sexual violence in Belgium. These tips are tailored to the local context and designed to be simple to apply while considering the sensitivity of the situation.

1. Avoid Touching the Environment

If possible, do not touch the location where the assault occurred, whether it’s a room, vehicle, or outdoor area. Avoid handling objects such as bedding, furniture, or tools, as they may contain important traces like fingerprints, fibers, or bodily fluids. In Belgium, judicial authorities can analyze these elements to strengthen an investigation. - Practical tip: If you must move an object, use gloves or a clean cloth to minimize direct contact. If the assault occurred at your home, try to restrict access to the area until the police arrive.

2. Limit Physical Contact

Although it may be emotionally challenging, try to avoid physical contact with others after the assault, such as hugs or handshakes. This reduces the risk of transferring foreign DNA onto your body, which could complicate forensic analysis. CPVS in Belgium are equipped to perform precise sample collections, but contamination can reduce the effectiveness of these analyses. - Practical tip: Explain to loved ones that you need to avoid physical contact temporarily to preserve evidence. You can seek emotional support remotely or after the forensic examination.

3. Preserve Clothing Worn During the Assault

Clothing worn during the assault may contain critical evidence, such as DNA traces, fibers, or bodily fluids. Here’s how to proceed: - Do not wash the clothing: Although the urge to shower or clean clothing may be strong, this can destroy essential evidence. Also, avoid washing your body before the medical examination. - Use paper bags: Place each piece of clothing in a separate paper bag. Plastic bags retain moisture, which can promote mold growth and degrade evidence. CPVS often provide suitable bags for this purpose. - Handle with care: Pick up clothing by the shoulders or edges to minimize contact with areas potentially containing traces. - Practical tip: If you don’t have paper bags, wrap the clothing in a clean towel or sheet to transport it to a CPVS. Inform the medical staff that you wish to preserve the clothing as evidence.

4. Visit a Sexual Violence Care Centre (CPVS)

In Belgium, CPVS are the reference facilities for victims of sexual violence. These centers provide comprehensive care, including: - Forensic examination: Collection of samples (swabs, blood samples, etc.) to gather biological traces. - Injury documentation: Professionals photograph and describe visible or invisible injuries to build a medical and judicial file. - Medical care: Tests for STIs, emergency contraception, and prophylactic treatments. - Psychological support: Assistance from trained psychologists to help victims cope with trauma. CPVS are available 24/7 in several Belgian cities, including Brussels (UZ Brussel), Ghent (UZ Gent), and Liège (CHU Liège). You can visit without an appointment, and the staff will respect your anonymity if you choose not to file a police report immediately. - Practical tip: Call the nearest CPVS to confirm availability and ensure they have an evidence collection kit. You can also contact the Belgian helpline at 1712 for advice or guidance.

5. Contact Authorities if Necessary

If you decide to file a complaint, contact the Belgian police as soon as possible. You can visit a police station or call 101 for urgent intervention. CPVS can also coordinate with the police to arrange a statement in a safe environment. In Belgium, victims have the right to request an interpreter or a police officer of the same gender for added comfort. - Practical tip: If you’re not ready to file a complaint, inform the CPVS that you wish to preserve evidence for potential future action. Evidence can be stored anonymously for a certain period.

Resources and Support in Belgium

In Belgium, several resources are available to support victims of sexual violence: - Sexual Violence Care Centres (CPVS): Located in Brussels, Ghent, Liège, and other cities, these centers provide medical, psychological, and judicial support. Visit the official CPVS website (www.violencessexuelles.be) for more information. - Helpline 1712: A free and anonymous hotline for victims of violence, available in French, Dutch, and English. - SOS Viol: An organization offering psychological and legal support to victims of sexual violence. Contact them at 0800 98 100 or via their website (www.sosviol.be). - Family Planning Centres: These facilities offer advice, STI testing, and psychological support. - Practical tip: Keep a list of emergency numbers and CPVS addresses handy. If you’re supporting a victim, offer to help contact these services while respecting their choices.

Conclusion

Preserving evidence after sexual violence in Belgium is a crucial step for victims considering legal action, medical care, or future protection. By acting quickly, ideally within 72 hours, and following practical tips such as avoiding touching the environment, limiting physical contact, and preserving clothing in paper bags, victims can maximize the chances of retaining usable evidence. Sexual Violence Care Centres (CPVS) provide specialized, respectful support tailored to victims’ medical, psychological, and judicial needs. Every victim has the right to decide which steps to take, and Belgian services, such as CPVS and the 1712 helpline, are available to offer non-judgmental support. By taking these initial steps, victims can lay the foundation for a recovery process, whether it involves justice, healing, or safety.