The Brussels-Capital Region launched its first interdisciplinary support centre for victims of domestic violence on Monday morning.
'Olista' is an initiative led by State Secretary for Equal Opportunities Nawal Ben Hamou (PS) and in partnership with Safe.brussels. The centre aims to bring a network of pre-existing supports together, including legal, psycho-social, administrative and medical services. Focus will be placed on providing holistic care for every individual who asks for it.
"This multidisciplinary centre aims to manage the most problematic cases of women victims of domestic violence, to direct them effectively to the competent authorities and help resolve their dreadful situations," Ben Hamou told Belga News Agency.
#Bruxelles à la pointe dans la lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes!
Ouverture d’Olista, le centre multidisciplinaire qui accompagnera à 360 degrés les victimes de VIF Orienter, aider, écouter, accompagner. 🙏 @safe_brussels pic.twitter.com/qFP1xTkeIC — Nawal Ben Hamou (@nawalbenhamou) April 22, 2024
Translation: Brussels is at the forefront of the fight against violence against women! At the opening of Olista, the multidisciplinary center which will provide all-round support for victims of domestic violence.
"In practical terms, our members – whether it is the Brussels court, police, social services or medical centres – can reach out to us for coordination assistance with domestic violence cases they are unable to cope with," said Anita Biondo, centre coordinator and project manager at Safe.Brussels. "We will review the situation, identify the victim's specific needs and pinpoint which partner is best suited to provide them with optimal aid."
Located in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Olista features two interview rooms, a consultation room and several offices. The region hopes to expand the centre's capabilities in the future by creating a frontline service for domestic abuse victims.
Leading the fight?
There were 4848 reports of domestic violence in 2022, as well as two identified femicides. In 2023, there were 26 recorded femicides, but these figures are likely to be underestimated due to a failure on Belgium's part to adequately collect data relating to domestic and gender-related violence.
Nevertheless, Belgium wishes to position itself as a leader in the fight against gender-related violence. The country passed a historic law against femicide in 2022 which enshrined the definition of femicide as the intentional killing of a woman just because she is a woman.
Belgium also signed the Council of Europe's Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (the 'Istanbul Convention') in 2016, which requires signatories to collect statistical data on gender-based violence.
