A shocking case of long-term abuse has come to light in Belgium, involving horrific sexual violence within a family home. The story, reported on 2025-06-11 11:44:00, reveals that one girl was repeatedly raped over nearly two decades by a man she lived with from the age of four.
- Meisje woonde vanaf 4 jaar bij verdachte
- Meisje werd vanaf 10 jaar verkracht
- Verkrachtingen duurden 19 jaar lang
- Advocaat noemt situatie Josef Fritzl-toestand
- Slachtoffer leed aan duizenden verkrachtingen
- Schoonzus werd ook drie jaar misbruikt
According to the victim’s lawyer, Tom Van Gestel, the abuse spanned 19 years with an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 assaults, a scale likened to the notorious Josef Fritzl case. Another family member, the victim’s sister-in-law, also endured abuse for three years under the same roof.
How could such a tragedy remain hidden for so long? And what can Belgium do to better protect vulnerable children? These questions highlight the urgent need for awareness and stronger safeguards. The Fast Answer below summarises the local impact.
This case raises important concerns about how prolonged abuse can go undetected in Belgian households. It challenges authorities and communities to rethink prevention and intervention strategies. Key points include:
- The staggering duration and frequency of abuse, estimated at thousands of incidents.
- The difficulty victims face in coming forward, often waiting decades.
- The need for improved support systems and vigilance among neighbours and professionals.
- The importance of legal reforms to ensure timely justice and protection.
Moving forward, Belgium must strengthen child protection frameworks and encourage early reporting. How can communities better support victims? Only through sustained effort and awareness can such tragedies be prevented in the future.
