ACV Union Demands ..Urgent Funding Boost.. to Protect Belgian Social Workers After Murder

Safety concerns for social workers in Belgium have intensified following the tragic murder of an OCMW-hulpverlener last week. The incident has sparked urgent discussions about the need for better protection measures for frontline workers. On 2025-08-18 10:19:00, the ACV union in Ghent highlighted the growing fears among employees tasked with vulnerable community support.

Peter Wieme, a union secretary at ACV, stressed that while hulpverleners want to carry out their jobs, they must be equipped with adequate resources to ensure their safety. The union’s response reflects a broader call for action after receiving numerous calls from worried and frightened workers.

With all services currently suspended, the focus now shifts to deciding which operations can safely resume. How can authorities balance essential social support with the urgent need to protect those who provide it? What measures will truly safeguard Belgium’s social workers moving forward?

This incident raises critical questions about workplace safety for social workers in Belgium. How can the government and organisations respond effectively to prevent further tragedies? The union’s stance underlines the importance of practical safety tools and policies to protect workers in vulnerable roles.

• Immediate suspension of services reflects the severity of safety concerns.
• Union advocacy stresses the need for protective resources and protocols.
• Employee fears highlight systemic gaps in current safety measures.
• Decisions on resuming services will depend on ensuring worker security.

As Belgium confronts these challenges, authorities and unions must collaborate to implement effective safety strategies. Ensuring the wellbeing of hulpverleners is essential to maintaining vital social support systems nationwide.