The number of calls received by Helpline 1712 has been increasing every year for the past decade. As in recent years, the lion's share of calls are about child abuse.
The Helpline 1712 is a professional helpline for people with questions about violence and (child) abuse. For the past ten years, the number of calls received has risen every year. Last year counsellors logged 9,424 calls, the highest number since it was created and 4% more than in 2022. This also marks a doubling since 2014 (4,676 calls).
The helpline speaks of a positive trend, as this indicates that more and more people are finding their way to 1712. Besides victims (37%), it is mainly parents (including step-) of the victim (19%) and professionals (10%) who contact the Helpline.
However, there is also a tragic human side to these calls, namely the victims. Here too, the figure is rising. "Last year, 12,799 people were (possible) victims of violence, abuse and child abuse, an increase of 6%, and around 7,000 more than in 2014.
Sharing concerns
As in previous years, most calls received were about child abuse. Last year, 1712 received calls around concerns about just under 7,000 minors. In 20% of the cases, the victims were babies (include unborn), toddlers and preschoolers.
As these children are a particularly vulnerable group due to their young age, it is all the more vital that adults take the step to share their concerns, said Pamela De Dobbeleer of the General Welfare Centre (CAW) East Brabant. "Especially adults from the child's immediate environment contact 1712. We welcome the fact that people share their concerns with us. Even if they have doubts," she said.
"However, a recent survey showed one in ten Flemish people still did nothing with the concern they had about a child." De Dobbeleer stressed that calling the Helpline with possible concerns will help to objectify this feeling and assess the risk of danger and consequences. "If necessary, they will advise on further steps to take."
With almost 1,800 calls, partner violence is in second place. The vast majority of calls are about forms of violence that take place within the victim's family circle (83%).
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In September 2023, counsellors at 1712 received one-third more calls than in the same period a year earlier due to the media coverage of Flemish radio producer Sven Pichal who was embroiled in a paedophilia scandal and the documentary series 'Godvergeten' about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.
The helpline is free and anonymous. A rising number of people are also contacting 1712 via their chat assistance. This can be explained by the fact this form is more anonymous, approachable and accessible.
