Sint-Jans-Molenbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The OCMW staff in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek experienced thirty severe aggressive incidents during this year. Most attacks at OCMW Sint-Jans-Molenbeek consist of verbal abuse alongside physical assaults. The OCMW engages in further safety measures in their current organisational efforts.
The Molenbeek Public Social Welfare Centre (OCMW) staff recorded 30 incidents of verbal or physical aggression beginning in 2025, which amounts to one such incident every three days.
Most incidents at the Molenbeek Public Social Welfare Centre (OCMW) consist of verbal abuse with insults and threats and racist comments, while two physical assaults have occurred. The OCMW has taken further steps to enhance security because of mounting social pressure.
“Some people lose control when we have to explain to them that they have to wait longer than expected for their support.”
It often involves insults, threats and also racism.
Perpetrators of verbal aggression can usually be easily identified, says El Khannouss.
“We ask these people to be represented by a third party until further notice. But they often come to their senses and offer their apologies.”
“The victim spent the entire day in hospital after the attack and was obviously in shock,”
says El Khannouss.
Serious acts can lead to the suspension of aid, he adds. Another perpetrator could have been caught and even convicted. The beneficiary had lost his way and caused minor havoc in the OCMW offices. “He became furious and threatened our employees before he started damaging furniture,” says the OCMW chairman.
Especially for municipalities with a vulnerable population, such as Molenbeek. “Several resources that we could count on (in the context of the Ukraine and energy crisis, ed.) have disappeared, while the demand for support is increasing,” goes the familiar story. “In the meantime, the federal government is going to push extra people to the OCMW.”
The former alderman, therefore, hopes for extra resources, “otherwise several Brussels OCMWs simply won’t make it.”
“That’s why we hope at least that the aggression stops,” El Khannouss concludes. “Respect for our employees must be guaranteed.”
What is the historical context of aggression against social workers in Molenbeek?
Sint-Jans-Molenbeek has dealt with enduring socioeconomic problems that led to tensions at its Public Social Welfare Centre (OCMW) in recent years. The poverty levels in Belgium rank Molenbeek as one of the most impoverished areas in the country, according to statistics from the Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis (IBSA) for 2023.
The OCMW serves approximately 7,850 beneficiaries—nearly 20% of the municipality’s population—reflecting heavy reliance on welfare support.
Statistics from the Federal Public Service for Social Integration demonstrate that Brussels social workers faced more aggression as they dealt with 22% more incidents between 2020 and 2024. Data from Molenbeek’s OCMW in 2023 shows 85 verbal or physical violence incidents, suggesting the present number of 30 cases during up to six months of 2025 may exceed annual records.
The upcoming federal employment reforms, which maintain short-term unemployment benefits, will induce 3000 Molenbeek residents to obtain OCMW assistance in 2026.
Staffing problems continue at Brussels OCMWs because Actiris (Brussels Employment Office) reports that 15% of social work positions remain unfilled. The combination of these conditions, along with budget process delays, produces situations where people tend to become increasingly agitated and aggressive.
