The tragic death of OCMW worker Erik has deeply affected the local community in Ghent, highlighting the risks faced by social workers during home visits. On Monday afternoon, around a thousand colleagues and friends gathered near the site where Erik was killed to hold a heartfelt wake in his memory. The sombre event on 2025-08-18 17:50:00 brought together many, dressed mostly in black, to share grief and pay tribute through emotional speeches and the release of white balloons.
- Colleagues held a wake honoring Erik
- Erik died during a home visit incident
- Suspect Anasse S. faces murder accusations
- Colleagues express solidarity and seek comfort
- Calls to reassess home visit safety
- Public can sign physical and online memorials
Erik’s passing has sparked important conversations about the vulnerability of social workers and the need for safer approaches in their daily work. His close colleagues described him as a dedicated, supportive team member who always put others first. How can social services better protect their staff while maintaining essential outreach? This question resonates strongly in Ghent and beyond.
As the community mourns, the city has opened both physical and online condolence registers for those wishing to honour Erik’s memory. This collective response underscores the solidarity within Belgian social services and the urgent need to balance care with safety.
What lessons can be drawn from this tragedy? It highlights the delicate balance between providing crucial support and ensuring worker safety. Key points include:
- The emotional impact on colleagues and the importance of peer support within OCMW teams.
- Calls for reviewing when and how home visits are conducted, considering alternatives like outdoor meetings.
- The need for ongoing discussions about mental health and safety protocols in social work.
Moving forward, Belgian social services must prioritise both the well-being of their workers and the communities they serve. How can new safety measures be implemented without compromising essential care? Engaging with frontline staff and adopting innovative approaches will be vital to honour Erik’s legacy and protect others.
