In 2025, the CPAS of the City of Brussels recorded 26 incidents: 10 verbal assaults, 10 physical assaults and 6 inappropriate behaviours.
David Weytsman, president of the CPAS: “A CPAS is a place of solidarity. It can under no circumstances become a space for violent or exclusionary behaviour. Exclusionary for our social workers, who have a right to safety. Exclusionary for other beneficiaries, who have a right to a dignified and calm welcome. That is why we are taking concrete action. Every assault results in a systematic filing of a complaint. There is no exception, no negotiation, no downplaying possible. When a public official is threatened, insulted or struck, it is the institution itself that is being attacked.
Violence against a social worker is not a simple relational incident: it is an attack on public authority and on the functioning of solidarity. We will never compromise on this point. Every incident is formally recorded, referred to the judicial authorities and followed up administratively.”
David Weytsman explains that when a serious incident occurs with a social worker, the person involved is immediately temporarily excluded from their social office. Follow-up is then taken over by the prevention and mediation unit. Interviews no longer take place in the usual setting, but in a secure environment, with systematic support from the prevention unit. The aim is clear: to restore a framework, set boundaries and, where possible, rebuild a respectful professional relationship. “Solidarity implies rights, but also duties. The social integration income is not unconditional. It requires behaviour compatible with respect for institutions and staff. To date, the CPAS has never applied a financial sanction on the social integration income for this type of incident. However, recent circulars open up discussion on firmer sanctions in cases of violence against social workers. In line with the latest circular from Minister Van Bossuyt, I have asked that the possibility of sanctions on the social integration income be studied where the legal framework allows, including partial withdrawal of the income in the most serious cases”.