Brussels, Belgium – The award-winning ‘Bel Alice’ initiative, which provides free transport services to victims of sexual violence, has now been expanded across the Brussels-Capital Region.
The Montgomery police zone, covering Etterbeek, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, announced the regionalisation of the project on Monday.
The service, which operates 24/7, ensures that victims can safely reach the Care Centre for Sexual Violence (ZSG) without the pressure of filing an immediate complaint.
A trained operator, available at 02 349 44 22, listens to victims and explains the available support options.
If needed, a secured taxi—operated by individuals trained in supporting victims—transports them directly to the ZSG, where medical and psychological assistance is immediately available.
Growing Support and Recognition
Since its inception in 2023, the Montgomery police zone has collaborated with the General Student Council of UC Louvain in Woluwe (AGW) and the Taxis Verts group to develop the project.
Their efforts have been recognised internationally, with ‘Bel Alice’ receiving the Public Prize and the Prix du Québec from the Réseau Intersection in 2024 for best police practices in combating sexual violence.
Following this success, the project has now been expanded in collaboration with all five Brussels police zones, as well as several key associations, including Lawyer Victims Assistance, SOS Viol, and Brusselsbynight.
The aim is to provide a concrete and accessible solution for those affected by sexual violence across the entire region.
Addressing Underreported Sexual Violence
Authorities stress the critical need for initiatives like ‘Bel Alice’, particularly as sexual violence remains vastly underreported.
The latest figures from the Brussels ZSG reveal a concerning trend: in 2024 alone, 1,033 victims sought assistance, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
Among them, 714 were adults and 319 were minors, indicating a worrying rise in cases involving young people.
Despite the growing number of victims seeking help, only 55% of those assisted at the ZSG chose to file a complaint, highlighting a significant gap in reporting.
This underscores the necessity of improving public awareness about available support services and ensuring victims feel safe and empowered to seek assistance.
A Step Toward Stronger Victim Support
Authorities hope that the regional expansion of ‘Bel Alice’ will significantly enhance victim support mechanisms and encourage more individuals to come forward.
By providing free, confidential, and non-judgmental transport to specialised care centres, the initiative aims to reduce the barriers that often prevent victims from seeking help.
“The goal is to offer tangible solutions and improve care for victims,” stated the Montgomery police zone. “With this expansion, we hope to bridge the gap between victims and the support they need, making Brussels a safer place for everyone.”
The initiative reflects a broader effort to combat sexual violence in Belgium, ensuring that victims receive immediate care and support while maintaining their autonomy in deciding whether to pursue legal action.
For those in need, the 24/7 helpline remains accessible at 02 349 44 22, providing a crucial lifeline to those affected by sexual violence.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
