Marta Baldacci
Thu, 18th of Dec 2024
VSE Staff Exchange: Enhancing Victim Support through Collaboration and Best Practices
On December 2nd and 3rd, Victim Support Europe (VSE) organised a Staff Exchange in Antwerp, hosted by CAW. The staff exchange focused on exploring the support systems in place for victims of familial violence at CAW. Over the course of two days, participants gained insight into the organisation’s structure, the methods used to support victims, and the challenges faced in delivering consistent care. The exchange covered topics such as the intake process for victims, data registration, outreach efforts, and the range of services provided, including housing, social welfare support, and victim assistance. Participants also visited CAW’s Safe House for victims of domestic violence, learning about its referral system, safety measures, and the support offered to residents. The exchange provided a platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and learning from CAW’s approach to victim care and support.
The staff exchange was attended by several participants all coming from different background and countries, but working in the field of victim support. Representatives from victim support organisations from Estonia, Croatia, Portugal, Northern Ireland, England and Wales, Finland and Portugal, attended the two-day event.
Day 1:
On the first day of the staff exchange CAW presented the methodology they use to supports victims of familial violence. Bart Claes, the CEO of CAW Group, kicked off the event with a warm welcome. He introduced the CAW group, an umbrella organization in Flanders, comprising 11 local organizations providing victim support. Following this, Joni Janssens introduced CAW’s structure and their “one-stop shop” approach, which aims to standardise victim care across Flanders. The discussions also focused on the intake system, where CAW explained how victims’ information is logged, registered, and used to facilitate outreach following initial contact. The types of support provided to victims were discussed, highlighting how they vary depending on the nature of the crime and its durations.
At CAW Antwerp, key services include housing support (especially during winter), social welfare assistance, personal and relationship counselling, and victim support. They also provide guidance for individuals in detention and offer behavioural training for court-mandated cases like gender-based violence and addiction. However, challenges like long waitlists (up to a year) and underfunding remain.
A key tool used by CAW is their registration system, “OSCAR,” which supports the tracking and management of victims’ information. The system facilitates victim intake via walk-ins, self-referrals, or police referrals, and the team attempts to contact victims’ multiple times before sending a follow-up package if no response is received.
Day 2:
The second day of the staff exchange focused on victim support, particularly in the context of domestic violence. The morning session introduced CAW’s helpline, 1712, a professional, anonymous service available to all Belgian citizens, regardless of immigration or residency status. The helpline specializes in providing information, support, and advice to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and child abuse, though it does not offer counselling. A discussion was held regarding the challenges and advantages of such helplines and exchanged best practices with other participants.
In the afternoon, a visit was organised to one of CAW’s Safe Houses for victims of domestic and familial violence. The visit included touring the facilities, meeting the full-time staff, and learning about the referral process and safety measures in place. The safe house offers temporary housing in studio apartments for victims and their families, with 24/7 staff and specialized professionals providing support. While it accommodates both men and women, most residents are women and children, and staying requires official residency documents in Belgium.
The safe house also works with perpetrators through mediation, aiming to resolve situations without police intervention, though law enforcement is involved if needed. After leaving, victims receive follow-up check-ins. Practitioners shared success stories of individuals who had regained control of their lives after staying at the safe house.
