Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 56-year-old OCMW worker was killed during a home visit in Nieuw Gent. Ghent closed services until Monday, Aug 18, 2025; Alderman Astrid De Brucker stressed staff safety and support.
As VRT News reported, the Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) in Ghent has closed its services until Monday afternoon, Aug 18, 2025, after the violent death of a staff member. The city of Ghent later decided to extend the closure to all related OCMW services, including welfare centres, service desks, and other offices.
The services will be closed until after a memorial service to be held on Monday afternoon in memory of the victim. Authorities emphasised that the safety and welfare of personnel are a top priority. The city confirmed that it would honour the long-serving employee who is characterised by her dedication and commitment to the people of Ghent.
“A commemoration will take place at that time,”
Said Alderman for Social Policy Astrid De Brucker (Voor Gent) on Radio 1’s De Ochtend program.
“After that, we will resume services.”
What steps will Ghent take on OCMW home visits after the worker’s murder?
Alderman De Brucker indicated that the city will only determine the next course of action following consultation with the staff of the impacted services. He noted that, in contrast to Grimbergen, where social workers were requested to suspend home visits following a violent case, no such request has yet been made in Ghent.
The alderman admitted, however, that the recent incident could influence how staff feel about their work. He stated that some employees may indicate, once they return, that they no longer want to enter people’s homes alone.
De Brucker said such concerns are valid and will be treated with respect. Consultations with employees and trade unions will determine how such visits are to be organised in the future. The alderman said the city has to defend its workers while still being able to reach out to vulnerable citizens who depend on assistance.
He noted that social workers often face tough and unpredictable situations in the field. Ghent is considering extra safety steps, such as sending staff in pairs and stricter risk checks, to protect employees and rebuild trust.
“Some people may also want to postpone their home visits for a while,”
De Brucker explains.
We will take all these questions and concerns into account.”
The victim was a 56-year-old social worker who had spent many years serving the community. She was attacked and killed on Wednesday, Aug 13, 2025, during a home visit in the Nieuw Gent social housing district.
Police confirmed that the suspect is a 38-year-old man who struggles with mental health problems. He was arrested shortly after the incident. The Welfare Office in Nieuw Gent, where the victim worked, was closed immediately on Thursday, Aug 14, 2025.
