{"id":72333,"date":"2024-12-23T13:27:20","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T12:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/have-you-been-a-victim-of-discrimination-or-an-incident-related-to-your-sexual-orientation-or-gender-identity\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T02:55:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T01:55:01","slug":"have-you-been-a-victim-of-discrimination-or-an-incident-related-to-your-sexual-orientation-or-gender-identity","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/have-you-been-a-victim-of-discrimination-or-an-incident-related-to-your-sexual-orientation-or-gender-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"Have you been a victim of discrimination or an incident related to your sexual orientation or gender identity?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_dark et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Rainbow Cops Belgium \u2013 LGBT Police keeps you informed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_0 et_pb_toggle et_pb_toggle_item et_pb_toggle_close et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><h5 class=\"et_pb_toggle_title\">Table of contents<\/h5><div class=\"et_pb_toggle_content clearfix et_flex_module\"><ol>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#pourquoi-plainte\">Why file a complaint?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#comment-plainte\">How do I file a complaint?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#que-faire\">What can I do?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#droits-victime\">What are your rights?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#refus-plainte\">What if your complaint is refused?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#personne-lesee\">To be recognised as an injured party<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#partie-civile\">To bring a civil action<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#en-savoir-plus\">Want to know more?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"#contact\"><span>Contact<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\"><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_2 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"pourquoi-plainte\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>Why file a complaint?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>By reporting the incident, you will be heard as a victim. A police officer will record your statements in an interview report. This allows:  <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is up to the police to conduct their investigation in order to identify and apprehend the perpetrator, gain a better understanding of the phenomenon, and take preventive action.<\/li>\n<li>It is up to the justice system to prosecute the perpetrators of this type of offence, to quantify the acts committed against the LGBTQI community and to improve the fight against homophobia, lesbophobia, biphobia and transphobia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The circular from the Public Prosecutors entitled \"COL 13\/2013\" provides for the appointment of magistrates and police officers who are aware of discrimination and hate crimes related, among other things, to sexual orientation and gender identity. Police officers are designated in each local police zone and in each front-line service of the Federal Police. The designated police officer can be your primary contact if you wish.<br \/>   <strong>Please do not hesitate to contact him!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_3 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"comment-plainte\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>How do I file a complaint?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><ul>\n<li>In case of emergency, dial 112.<\/li>\n<li>If it is not an emergency, you can file a complaint at any police station. A police officer cannot refuse to record your complaint. You can also file a complaint by sending a letter directly to the public prosecutor.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_4 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"que-faire\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>What can I do?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>You have the option to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Have a doctor draw up a statement of injuries and\/or a medical certificate.<\/li>\n<li>Gather evidence of the offence and the damage suffered (photographs, emails, text messages, letters, videos, etc.).<\/li>\n<li>Go to a police station on your own initiative to be dealt with by the police officer on duty at reception. If you prefer not to speak to reception at your local police station, you can contact the \"Discrimination and Hate Crime\" officer directly or, failing that, the \"Victim Support\" officer for your police area. <\/li>\n<li>Contact the Victim Support Service (SAPV) of the police district. This service will put you in touch with the police officer of your choice and can assist you with the necessary procedures. <\/li>\n<li>Contact the solicitor of your choice. At your request, they can assist you during the hearing. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_5 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"droits-victime\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_5 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>What are your rights?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>As a victim, you have the option to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To declare yourself an injured party.<\/li>\n<li>To express yourself in the language of your choice. Either a sworn interpreter will be present during the hearing, or you will be asked to write down the statement yourself. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Before the hearing, you will be informed of the following main rights:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>That your statements may be used as evidence in court.<\/li>\n<li>You may request that all questions asked of you and your answers be recorded verbatim (word for word).<\/li>\n<li>That you may request that a specific disclosure or hearing be conducted (e.g. witnesses).<\/li>\n<li>That you may use the documents in your possession, without this leading to the postponement of the interrogation, and request that these documents be attached to the minutes or to the file (e.g. report of injuries, photographs, medical certificate).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>At the end of your interview, you may request assistance from the Police Victim Support Service.<\/strong> This service will provide you with free front-line assistance in difficult situations (reception, listening, practical help, etc.). It will then refer you to appropriate services (legal, social, psychological, financial, etc.). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_6 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"refus-plainte\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_6 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>What if your complaint is refused?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>If a police officer refuses to record your complaint, you may:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Insist and ask for the reason for the refusal.<\/li>\n<li>Ask to speak to a superior.<\/li>\n<li>Contact the SAPV.<\/li>\n<li>Inform the head of the police station.<\/li>\n<li>Report the incident to UNIA or the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men.<\/li>\n<li>Report the refusal to a police supervisory body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_7 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"personne-lesee\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_7 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>To be recognised as an injured party:<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>When you file a complaint with the police, you will be informed of the possibility of becoming an injured party. This procedure is free of charge. You will be asked to complete a specific form which will be attached to the file sent to the public prosecutor.  <\/p>\n<p>As an injured party, you have the right to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Request permission to view the file and obtain a copy.<\/li>\n<li>Be informed by the public prosecutor of any decision to dismiss your case, the opening of an investigation, or the setting of a hearing date.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_8 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"partie-civile\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_8 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_8 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module title-highlight preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>To bring a civil action:<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Civil action is brought before an investigating judge or during the court hearing. Civil action status gives you additional rights to those of an injured party. Contact a solicitor or legal aid centre for assistance with the process.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_section_9 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\" id=\"en-savoir-plus\"><div class=\"et_pb_row_9 et_pb_row et_block_row\"><div class=\"et_pb_column_9 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h3>Want to know more?<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rainbow Cops Belgium :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rainbow-cops-belgium.be\"><span>www.rainbow<\/span><span>-cops<\/span><span>-belgium.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Wallonie-Bruxelles :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.victimes.be\"><span>www.victimes.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Trouver une zone de police locale :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.police.be\"><span>www.police.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Maisons de Justice :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.maisonsdejustice.be\"><span>www.maisonsdejustice.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>SPF Justice :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.justice.belgium.be\"><span>www.justice.belgium.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>UNIA :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.unia.be\"><span>www.unia.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Institut pour l\u2019\u00e9galit\u00e9 entre les Femmes et les Hommes :<\/strong> <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_new\" href=\"http:\/\/www.igvm-iefh.be\"><span>www.igvm<\/span><span>-iefh.be<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-72333","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/72333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72333"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/72333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72381,"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/72333\/revisions\/72381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rainbowcops.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}