Forced prostitution and human trafficking

Prostitution or sex work means offering sex in exchange for money or other advantages.
When people are lured into prostitution with false promises of a better future in another country, this is called human trafficking.

Voluntary prostitution is legal in Belgium provided that both the sex worker and client are older than 18 and the sex worker acts of his/her free will and with consent. Prostitution without consent is forbidden by law and is severely punished. This includes any situation where somebody is forced to work as a sex worker.

Any situation where the sex worker or the client is younger than 18 is also illegal.

Human trafficking is also punishable in Belgium.

In Belgium, people who are recognised as victims of human trafficking can get residence status.

If you are a victim of human trafficking or forced prostitution you can contact specialised organisations such as PAG-ASA, Payoke and Child Focus. They can help you with the procedure and will respect your privacy.

You can also go to the police to report your situation and seek protection. If you know somebody who is a victim of forced prostitution you can contact the police or call 1712.

Gedwongen prostitutie en mensenhandel

Prostitutie of sekswerk betekent seks aanbieden in ruil voor geld of andere voordelen.
Wanneer mensen in de prostitutie gelokt worden met valse beloften voor een betere toekomst in een ander land, is dit mensenhandel.

Vrijwillige prostitutie is legaal in België als zowel de sekswerker als de klant ouder zijn dan 18 en de sekswerker uit vrije wil en met toestemming handelt. Prostitutie zonder toestemming is strafbaar en wordt zwaar bestraft. Dit omvat ook alle situaties waarin iemand gedwongen wordt om als sekswerker te werken.

Wanneer de sekswerker of de klant jonger is dan 18, is prostitutie ook illegaal.

Mensenhandel wordt ook bestraft in België.

Mensen die in België erkend worden als slachtoffer van mensenhandel, kunnen een verblijfsstatus verkrijgen.

Als u het slachtoffer bent van mensenhandel of gedwongen prostitutie, kunt u contact opnemen met gespecialiseerde organisaties zoals PAG-ASA, Payoke en Child Focus. Zij kunnen u helpen met de procedure en zullen uw privacy respecteren.

U kunt ook naar de politie gaan om uw situatie te melden en bescherming te vragen. Als u iemand kent die het slachtoffer is van gedwongen prostitutie, kunt u contact opnemen met de politie of bellen naar het nummer 1712.

More information or help needed?

PAG-ASA
Assistance to victims of human trafficking
02 511 64 64
Payoke
Primary care, support, and protection for victims of human trafficking and exploitation
03 201 16 90
Police
Assistance in a life threatening situation
101
1712
Free telephone number for an answer to all questions regarding violence.
1712 (9-17h)
CAW - Centrum Algemeen Welzijn
Centre for general well-being - Help with all kinds of issues: a difficult relationship, medical, financial, administrative, legal or material problems, family problems,... CAWs also provide assistance to victims of violence and abuse. Find a CAW in your neighbourhood:
Sürya
Psychosocial, medical, administrative and legal assistance and housing for the victims of human trafficking
04 232 40 30 (7 days a week, 24-hours a day)
Sexual Violence Care Centre (Zorgcentrum na seksueel geweld) - Brussels
Service in the hospital for victims of sexual violence. The care centre provides medical and psychological help and helps collect evidence. You can also file complaints here. Open every day, at all times.
02 535 45 42
Sexual Violence Care Centre (Zorgcentrum na seksueel geweld) - Ghent
Service in the hospital for victims of sexual violence. The care centre provides medical and psychological help and helps collect evidence. You can also file complaints here. Open every day, at all times.
09 332 80 80
Sexual Violence Care Centre (Zorgcentrum na seksueel geweld) - Liège
Service in the hospital for victims of sexual violence. The care centre provides medical and psychological help and helps collect evidence. You can also file complaints here. Open every day, at all times.
04 367 93 11