Media coverage of a Flemish radio embroiled in a paedophilia scandal and a recent documentary about sexual abuse in the Catholic Church have seen a significant rise in calls about abuse and violence to the 1712 helpline.
Sven Pichal, the 44-year-old presenter of VRT Radio 2's consumer affairs programme 'The Inspector' (De Inspecteur), was arrested by Federal Police officers at his home near Antwerp at the end of last month on suspicion of possessing and distributing child pornography. Two days later, he announced his formal resignation. The case resulted in child abuse and paedophilia making headlines across the country.
Around the same time, a much-discussed four-part documentary called Godvergeten (loosely translated as 'Godforsaken' in English) was aired on Flemish broadcaster VRT. The programme once again brought the topic of sexual abuse in the church into the limelight and sparked a wave of public debate about the church's role in Belgium.
This extensive coverage of the topics of sexual abuse and violence is prompting victims to contact 1712 – an independent helpline that provides a safe and confidential space where victims and those around them can find emotional support, advice and resources to rebuild their lives.
Encouraging people to share
Over the past three weeks, the helpline received about 820 calls about violence and (child) abuse – an increase of 31% compared to last year. "The increase in the number of calls is due to the coverage of the Pichal case and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church," said Wim Van de Voorde, Flemish coordinator of the helpline. He added that several of them explicitly refer to the documentary.
The extensive coverage of sexual abuse triggers victims and those around them to contact 1712. "In the documentary, violence and abuse take on many faces. The testimonies encourage people to share their story or their concerns about a child with 1712, often for the first time," Van de Voorde said.
It is the first time a television programme alone has had such an impact on the 1712 operations. "The documentary 'If Only You Knew' about family violence also had an impact, but then we also ran a campaign," the coordinator noted.
In total, callers reported nearly 1,100 victims. Most of those victims suffered abuse as children (approximately 660, up by 40% compared to last year). The helpline also received calls about 150 victims of sexual violence, up by 36%. Just over half of those victims were minors (almost double compared to the previous year).
Most calls were about violence in the family. There were also dozens of calls about abuse in schools (both day and boarding), youth centres and other institutions. Several victims who are suffering as a result of their coping mechanisms, or those close to them, contacted the helpline.
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Many victims who call or chat with 1712 experience trauma. Trauma resulting from abuse can have serious and long-term impacts such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, addiction, relationship problems and general issues at work or school.
"The impact of trauma is not always limited to the individual victim but often extends to the immediate environment. As a society, we must also be mindful of the suffering of those around the victim. They too deserve the necessary support to recover," said Van de Voorde.
Do you need help?
Those in need of a listening ear or with any questions about violence and abuse can contact the helpline anonymously on the toll-free number 1712 every weekday
The call is free of charge and is anonymous. It will also not appear on your phone bill.
If you need urgent assistance, call 101 for urgent police assistance or 112 for urgent medical assistance.
Find the English-language 1712 website here.
