What This Guide Covers

You will find help for:

• Finding safe housing or shelter after violence or risk

   

• Accessing free legal aid through the pro deo system

   

• Medical care—especially for survivors of sexual assault

   

• Emotional and psychosocial support—including language assistance

   

All listed services are free (or low-cost), respectful, and open to migrants and refugees, regardless of residency status.

Emergency Housing & Safe Shelters

CAW Brussels (Centre for General Welfare Work)

• Offers crisis intervention and safe accommodation for women and children fleeing violence
  - Phone: 078 150 300
  - Languages: Dutch, French, English (interpreters available)
  - Website: www.caw.be
  sac.belgium.be+12work-with-perpetrators.eu+12researchgate.net+12

   

Fédération des Maisons d’Accueil (AMA)

• Connects women with shelters across Belgium

   

• Open to undocumented women and asylum seekers

   

• Contact via: federations of shelters in your region
  work-with-perpetrators.euhealthybelgium.be

   

Legal Aid (Pro Deo Lawyers)

• Belgium provides free legal assistance (“Pro Deo”) for women with low income or no legal status

   

• Visit your local Bureau voor Juridische Bijstand / Bureau d’Aide Juridique to apply. (https://baj-caj.odoo.com/rdv-new)

   

• Bring ID (or asylum card), proof of income, and any case documents

   

• Legal help is available through CAW offices and local social services (CPAS)

   

Healthcare for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Belgium has a network of ten Sexual Assault Centres (SACCs) located within major hospitals—open 24/7, free of charge, and accessible to all survivors, regardless of immigration status.sac.belgium.be+1gov.uk+1

Each SAC offers:

• Medical care for injuries, infections, and pregnancy concerns

   

• Psychological support from trained counselors

   

• Forensic examinations to collect evidence if you wish to report to police

   

• On-site trained police inspectors can assist with complaints within 7 days of the incident
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SAC Brussels – UMC Saint-Pierre
Rue Haute 320, 1000 Brussels
02 535 45 42 | cpvs@stpierre-bru.be
Open every day, 24 hours
Lokale Politie+14sac.belgium.be+14uzgent.be+14stpierre-bru.be+1ICRH+1

Other SAC Locations Across Belgium:

• SAC Antwerp (UZ Antwerpen): 03 436 80 50

   

• SAC Leuven (UZ Leuven): 016 34 11 11

   

• SAC East Flanders (UZ Gent): 09 332 80 80

   

• SAC West Flanders (AZ Delta, Roeselare): 051 23 80 80

   

• SAC Charleroi, Liège, Namur, Arlon — full list on sac.belgium.be
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Specialized Mental Health & Trauma Services

• Each SACC provides initial counselling and assesses ongoing mental health needs

   

• Follow-up treatment is offered in collaboration with psychologists, social workers, and trauma specialists

   

• SACCs operate with a multidisciplinary team that includes trained forensic nurses, psychologists, and case managers
  gov.uk+4ICRH+4researchgate.net+4

   

Additional Support Services

GAMS Belgium

• Support for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

   

• Free medical, legal, and psychological support

   

• Contact (phone): 02 219 43 40 | Website: www.gams.be

   

• Services in French, Dutch, Arabic, and more
  Lokale Politie

   

Médecins du Monde / Dokters van de Wereld

• Free healthcare for undocumented women in Brussels, Antwerp, and Liège

   

• Services include general medical care, reproductive health, and mental health support
  work-with-perpetrators.eu

   

Quick Resource Summary

What to Remember

• You are safe to seek help, no matter your residency status

   

• You can access SACCs and shelters even if you do not want to file a police report

   

• Services are confidential and trauma-aware

   

• SACCs offer both medical and legal support in one place