Safety, health and protection

Reference points on prevention, wellbeing, the fight against violence and rights in the event of a complaint, based on the cited legal texts and documents.

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1. Principles 2. Wellbeing and conditions 3. Health and prevention 4. Violence, abuse, exploitation 5. Reporting and complaints 6. Confidentiality

1. Principles

The Belgian framework seeks to distinguish lawful practice (between adults, without coercion) from situations that constitute criminal offences (coercion, exploitation, trafficking, minors), and to strengthen protection in situations of vulnerability.

Autonomy and consent

Consent must be specific (act and conditions) and may be withdrawn at any time.
The right to refuse (a client, an act, conditions) and to interrupt a service must remain effective.
Situations of control (threats, imposed debts, confiscation of documents, restriction of movement) are warning signs.

Protection in situations of vulnerability

Authorities must take into account specific risks (violence, exploitation, dependency).
In the event of activity-related violence, enhanced safeguards may apply (reception, information, protective measures).
The fight against trafficking and exploitation remains a criminal priority.

Practical reference point: if the environment makes a genuine “no” impossible (pressure, surveillance, financial penalties, threats), the situation moves away from lawful practice and closer to abuse or exploitation.

2. Wellbeing and conditions

Safety does not depend solely on individual behaviour. It also depends on organisation (premises, rules, resources, emergency procedures) and on compliance with prevention obligations when the activity takes place within an organised framework.

Working environment

Material conditions, hygiene, premises safety, risk prevention and procedures in the event of an incident.

Emergency arrangements

Alert mechanisms, the ability to stop immediately, clear instructions, and on-site presence or assistance in case of danger (depending on the type of establishment).

Prevention of abuse

Detection of abnormal situations (control, threats, isolation, confiscation of documents) and prompt response.

In an organised setting (employer / establishment), the absence of prevention and response measures may engage the organisation’s responsibility, not only individual conduct.

3. Health and prevention

Prevention is based on access to information, healthcare, testing and an environment that allows boundaries to be set without pressure. Institutional sources emphasise a public health and harm-reduction approach.

Prevention and testing

Information on STIs, prevention and health resources.
Facilitated access to testing and medical/psychological support.
Referral to specialised services according to individual needs.

Protective environment

The possibility to refuse practices or conditions considered risky.
No organisational sanctions in the event of refusal (pressure, fines, imposed loss of income).
Discretion and respect for privacy in healthcare pathways.

4. Violence, abuse and exploitation

Violence (physical, psychological, sexual or economic) and situations of exploitation may be aggravated when they take advantage of vulnerability (isolation, dependency, administrative status, etc.). Criminal law continues to severely punish coercion, trafficking and any involvement of minors.

Common warning signs

Threats, blackmail, violence, control of movements or contacts.
Confiscation of documents, imposed debts, arbitrary “fines” or penalties.
Constant surveillance, forced work, real impossibility to stop.

Enhanced protection

Recognition of possible vulnerability linked to the situation.
Specific consideration of gender-based violence.
Protective measures may be applied in situations of danger (depending on the assessment).

If you suspect a situation of trafficking or exploitation, prioritise prompt reporting and support through a specialised organisation.

5. Reporting and complaints: practical rights

If you are a victim (or witness) of activity-related violence, you may report the situation or file a complaint. The cited legal texts provide for specific reception and safeguards.

When filing a complaint / giving a statement

Appropriate reception: the right to be received in a discreet setting by a trained police officer.
Support: the possibility to be accompanied by a person of your choice (unless this affects the investigation).
Interpreter: free access to an interpreter and translation of the main elements of the complaint, if necessary.
Same-sex officer: the possibility to request to be heard by an officer of the same sex, particularly in cases of gender-based violence.

Information, protection and follow-up

Information: the police must inform you of your rights, available assistance (medical, psychological, housing) and possible measures.
Protective measures: depending on the situation (e.g. restraining orders, alert systems, confidential address).
No loss of rights: refusing a protective measure does not result in the loss of other rights.
Risk assessment: an assessment tool may be used to tailor the response and follow-up.

Foreign nationals, including undocumented persons: the cited documents indicate that victim status and protection needs must be taken into account, with notification of the competent authorities where required.

6. Confidentiality

Information relating to sex work and experienced violence constitutes sensitive data. The sources emphasise discretion, restricted access and proportionality in data processing.

Discretion

Discreet handling of procedures (complaints, care, support) and reduction of exposure risks.

Restricted access

Access limited to authorised persons, based on necessity and internal traceability.

Legal framework

Disclosure only where a legal basis exists and for clearly defined purposes.