The Interministerial Conference on Women’s Rights committed to supporting women fleeing violent partners by introducing a new support package in April 2024, but a year later, the initiative appears to have stalled, according to the feminist organisation Vie féminine.
Domestic violence can manifest in various forms, including psychological (harassment, threats), physical (including sexual), social (isolating the victim), administrative (confiscation of documents like an identity card or diploma; monitoring personal mail or messages), and economic (denying financial resources or preventing employment). These are significant barriers that hinder victims from leaving abusive homes.
To break this vicious cycle, the ten ministers from the conference promised last year a "new support package". This emergency aid aims to cover initial expenses like rental deposits, first rents, legal fees, provide psychological support, and assist with employment opportunities.
However, neither the policy note of the new federal Minister for Equal Opportunities, Rob Beenders (Vooruit), nor the policy statements from Wallonia, Flanders, or the French Community mention the package. This is despite frequent references by Yves Coppieters (Les Engagés), the new Francophone Minister for Women’s Rights, in his communications, as noted by Vie féminine.
The association underscores that ministers from N-VA, MR, CD&V, and Vooruit, all parties continuing in various ruling coalitions, were present at the conference. Vie féminine concludes that it is now these parties’ duty to uphold their commitments and allocate sufficient budget to implement the measure.
