Assault, injuries, threats and aggression are acts that require careful legal action from the perspective of both the victim and the accused. In Belgium, intentional assault and battery are criminalized in the Criminal Code and can lead to a correctional conviction. In this article, Novex Advocaten explains the legal qualifications, punitive measures and defence options.
What are intentional assault and battery (OSV)?
Intentional assault and battery (OSV) are any act of violence involving intentional bodily injury. The law distinguishes minor blows without illness or incapacitation (police court) from blows with illness or incapacitation (correctional court). Aggravating circumstances are present when a weapon is used, group violence, acts committed against vulnerable persons (children, the elderly, pregnant women) or domestic violence.
Punishments for assault and battery
- Minor assault without incapacity for work: fine of 26 to 100 euros, multiplied by the statutory surcharges (×8), i.e. 208 to 800 euros;
- Assault causing illness or incapacity for work: imprisonment from 8 days to 1 year and/or fine (correctional);
- With aggravating circumstances: imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years (or more for serious injury or weapon).
Domestic violence: aggravated regime
Slagen en verwondingen gepleegd op een (ex-)partner of gezinslid zijn een verzwarende omstandigheid in de Belgische wetgeving. Dit leidt tot hogere straffen en bijkomende maatregelen zoals een contactverbod, een tijdelijk huisverbod of verplichte begeleiding. Het parket kan de zaak vervolgen zelfs als het slachtoffer geen klacht wenst in te dienen.
Self-defence as a defence ground
Wie geweld gebruikt om zichzelf of anderen te verdedigen tegen een onrechtmatige aanval, kan een beroep doen op noodweer. De noodweer is slechts gerechtvaardigd als de reactie proportioneel is aan de aanval en als er geen andere uitweg was. De beoordeling van noodweer is feitelijk en vraagt een gedetailleerde reconstructie van de omstandigheden. Een advocaat kan de noodweersituatie opbouwen en bewijzen.
As a victim of violence: your rights
As a victim, you can file a complaint with the police, possibly accompanied by a medical certificate. You can file as a civil party in the criminal proceedings to claim compensation. A lawyer can guide you in filing the civil suit and claiming the moral and material damages you have suffered.
Assistance with aggression and violence
Novex Advocaten assists both accused and victims in cases of assault, battery and threats. We defend you before the police court and the correctional court in Brussels, assisting you from the first hearing to the final verdict. Contact us for a confidential discussion.
Also read: Arrest and interrogation: your rights as a suspect | House search in Belgium: rights and obligations