Stalking is a serious problem that disrupts your daily life. In Belgium, stalking is a criminal offence under the term "belaging" (Article 442bis of the Penal Code). But to take legal action, you need evidence. Atlas Detectives helps you gather that evidence.
What is harassment (belaging)?
Harassment is the repeated intimidation of a person while knowing, or being expected to know, that you are seriously disturbing that person's peace. It involves a pattern of unwanted behaviour: appearing in someone's surroundings, repeatedly calling or sending messages, following someone in the street, online stalking via social media, or sending unwanted gifts and letters. Cyberstalking is also included, such as repeatedly monitoring someone's online activity or posting unwanted messages.
What does Belgian law say about stalking?
Article 442bis of the Belgian Penal Code makes harassment a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment from 15 days to 2 years and a fine of 50 to 300 euros (multiplied by applicable surcharges). Harassment is a complaint-based offence: the public prosecutor can only pursue a case after you file a complaint. Once a complaint is filed, the prosecution may begin. You may also withdraw your complaint, after which proceedings cease.
Forms of stalking
Stalking can take many forms. Not all forms are equally visible:
- Physical stalking. Showing up at your home, workplace, school, or sports club
- Telephone stalking. Repeatedly calling, texting, or leaving voicemails
- Online stalking. Messages via social media, fake accounts, monitoring your online activities
- Stalking through third parties. Enlisting family, friends or acquaintances to gather information or pass on messages
- Stalking by an ex-partner. The most common form. Not accepting that the relationship is over
- Legal stalking. Repeatedly initiating legal proceedings to force the victim into contact
Why evidence is so important
The police can only act effectively with a well-substantiated file. Your own statements are a start, but a judge wants to see objective evidence: dates, times, locations, and visual material. A private detective professionally documents each incident and builds a file that demonstrates a clear pattern — exactly what the judge needs to impose measures.
How Atlas Detectives helps with stalking
- Documentation of each incident with exact date, time, and location
- Photo and video evidence of the stalker, gathered lawfully
- Identification of the person harassing you (including anonymous stalking)
- Establishment of a pattern that legally substantiates harassment
- Assembly of a complete file for police, investigating judge, or court
- Documentation of violations if you already have a restraining order
- Free testimony in court
What can you do yourself about stalking?
- Save all messages, letters, and screenshots. Delete nothing
- Keep a log: record the date, time, location, and what happened
- Do not respond to the stalker. Any contact can reinforce the behaviour
- Inform your surroundings: neighbours, employer, school
- File a complaint with the police and request a certificate of complaint
- Engage a private detective for objective, professional evidence
Frequently asked questions about stalking and harassment
What is the difference between stalking and harassment?
Stalking is the common term; harassment (belaging) is the legal term in Belgian criminal law. They refer to the same offence: repeatedly intimidating a person in a way that seriously disturbs their peace.
When does behaviour constitute harassment?
Harassment exists when the behaviour is repeated and seriously disturbs the victim's peace. There is no fixed minimum number of incidents. The judge assesses the overall picture. The better your evidence demonstrates the pattern, the stronger your case.
Can I request a restraining order against my stalker?
Yes. Read more about the procedure for applying for a restraining order.
What if the police don't take my complaint seriously?
Unfortunately, stalking complaints are sometimes dismissed as a "personal relationship issue". If your complaint is not taken seriously, you can file a complaint with civil-party status before the investigating judge. A professional detective report with objective evidence is taken more seriously by police and courts.
What does it cost to hire a private detective for a stalking case?
Costs depend on the nature and duration of the investigation. The initial consultation at Atlas Detectives is always free and without obligation. Request a free quote.
Also see our private client services for more details on our approach.
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