During a press conference on Monday morning, PPA parliamentarian Eduard Pieters dedicated a significant portion of his message to a motion submitted in Parliament addressing relationship violence. Pieters emphasized that the outcome of the parliamentary vote is public, but he believes it is crucial to share what professionals who work daily with survivors have clearly stated: they are not asking for empty promises, but for protection, structure, and immediate action.
According to Pieters, the motion presented by the PPA was not driven by party politics. Instead, it was based on commitments already included in the governing plan of the AVP and Futuro parties. The PPA simply urged the government to act on what it had promised.
Within 6 Months: Immediate Protection and Response
The motion called on the government to deliver, within six months, a national action plan focused on prevention, awareness, and professional handling of relationship violence. The goal is to ensure that all victims are treated with respect, dignity, and without prejudice by all involved stakeholders, including police, ambulance services, healthcare providers, social workers, and the justice system.
A key point of the motion was the need for standardized training for police officers and ambulance personnel. As first responders, their initial reaction can determine whether a situation stabilizes or escalates. A mistake at this stage can place victims at even greater risk.
The motion also urged the allocation of funding within six months for:
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A national awareness campaign
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A structured support and communication system offering psychological and legal assistance
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Ongoing information for victims and families about the progress of their cases
Victims of relationship violence are among the most vulnerable in society and should not be left alone, confused, or without proper guidance and information.
Addressing the Perpetrator to Break the Cycle
Pieters stressed that relationship violence does not end with punishment alone. Without treatment, perpetrators often reoffend. The motion demanded that within six months, the Ministry of Justice:
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Designate a specialized department for offender management
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Establish a professional treatment team
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Develop a social reintegration program that goes beyond anger management and addresses the deeper causes of violent behavior
Without such measures, the cycle of violence continues.
Within 12 Months: A National Protocol
The motion further required the creation of a National Protocol for Care, Protection, and Referral of victims and survivors of relationship violence within 12 months. This protocol should ensure:
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Multidisciplinary and comprehensive assistance
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Coordination between police, healthcare, justice, and social services
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A system that truly protects victims and avoids re-traumatization
Pieters emphasized that these changes must be embedded in law, not merely implemented through temporary guidelines. One critical point is that the perpetrator — not the victim — should be required to leave the home for a minimum of three days. Currently, victims are often forced to seek shelter elsewhere, causing additional trauma.
Despite aligning with the government’s own policy framework, the motion was voted down by the governing parties, with the exception of parliamentarian Mike de Meza and the MEP faction.
Pieters concluded by stating that relationship violence is not a political issue, but a matter of human life, dignity, and justice. The PPA, he said, will continue to stand and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
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