Halle (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): A young woman endured two years of severe domestic abuse after moving in with her boyfriend at 18. Despite multiple police visits and serious injuries, she finally reported him, leading to his 24-month prison sentence and mandatory rehabilitation courses.
The case involves a young woman who started dating the man in 2020 when she was just 18. They quickly moved in together, but their relationship soon turned violent. Reports indicate that she faced many instances of domestic abuse shortly after they began living together, including being physically attacked and punched by him. The violence didn’t just affect her during one incident, a friend of hers was also hurt. This ongoing abuse created a very dangerous situation for her, highlighting how serious domestic violence can be for young people and those close to them.
What was the outcome of the domestic violence case against the ex-boyfriend?
By October 2021, the young woman’s relationship with the man had become very serious, leading to 11 police visits in just one year. These visits highlighted the ongoing domestic violence she was facing. Despite the police getting involved, the abuse continued, putting her in constant danger. She had to go to the hospital multiple times because of the violence, breaking her nose three times, which showed how severe the attacks were. After two years of suffering, she finally decided to end the relationship. Realizing how dangerous it was, she found the courage to report the abuse to the police. This was a significant step for her as she sought to escape the violence and seek justice for what she had endured.
Nathalie Buisseret, the lawyer representing the victim, mentioned that she has seen photos in the file that are typically found in serious legal cases, like assize cases. Assize cases usually involve serious criminal charges, often related to severe offenses. This statement suggests that the evidence in this case is quite serious and may indicate the extent of the abuse the victim faced. Buisseret’s observation highlights the gravity of the situation and the legal implications surrounding the case, emphasizing the need for justice and the importance of the evidence collected.
A 40-year-old man from Halle was questioned about his abusive behavior towards his ex-girlfriend, whom he blamed during the interrogation. He has a criminal history, having served time in prison before. The victim’s lawyer, Nathalie Buisseret, pointed out how serious the case is, mentioning she saw shocking photos usually found in severe cases. The man abused her for two years, causing serious injuries, and even called her from prison just days before the court hearing. He was sentenced to 24 months in prison, with part of that on probation, and must take courses to manage his aggression and address his drug and alcohol issues. He is also forbidden from contacting his ex-girlfriend.
