What the Law of 30 July 2022 Changes for Sex Workers

What the Law of 30 July 2022 Changes for Sex Workers

The law of 30 July 2022 introduces several important changes regarding sex work in Belgium. Here is what you need to know if you are a sex worker, employer, or work in the sector (escort, window, agency, etc.).

Confiscation of Property Used for Offences Related to Prostitution

The law specifies that if an offence related to prostitution is committed (such as pimping, human trafficking, exploitation, or abuse), the property used to commit this offence may be confiscated by the courts. This concerns:

• Objects or tools used to commit the offence (for example, phone, car, computer, etc.).
• Premises used for the offence (apartment, house, room, window, etc.), even if the owner is not the person convicted.
• The value of these assets, even if they have been sold or given to someone else between the time of the offence and the court’s decision.

Concrete example: If an apartment is used to exploit people in prostitution, it can be seized, even if the owner is not directly involved. If the apartment was sold before the court’s decision, the sale value can also be confiscated.

Stronger Penalties for Abuse or Exploitation

The law specifies that fines and penalties apply specifically in cases of abuse of prostitution (for example, if someone takes advantage of a sex worker’s vulnerability, forces them to work, or deprives them of their freedom).

• Those who exploit, force, or abuse sex workers face harsher penalties.
• Fines are clearly set out for these situations.

Protection of Third-Party Rights

If property (such as an apartment or car) is confiscated, the law provides that the rights of third parties (for example, an owner not involved in the offence) must be respected. This means that if you are a tenant or subtenant, the owner can assert their rights to recover their property, provided they were not involved in the offence.

Key Points to Remember

• If you work in the sex sector, make sure your activity is carried out freely, without coercion or exploitation.
• If you rent a place or work for an agency, check that everything is in order and that no one is taking advantage of your situation.
• If you have doubts or feel under pressure, it is important to seek help (associations, police, lawyer).
• Property used for illegal activities related to prostitution can be seized, even if it does not belong to you directly.

Who Do These Rules Apply To?

These rules apply to:

• Sex workers.
• Agencies, employers, owners of windows, apartments, or brothels.
• Anyone involved in organising or managing activities related to sex work.

In Summary

The law aims to better protect people from exploitation and to punish abuse more severely. It also allows the courts to seize property used to commit offences, even if it has changed hands. If you work as a sex worker freely and independently, without exploitation, these measures are not intended to penalise you, but to protect you from abuse.

If you have any questions or believe you may be affected by an abusive situation, do not hesitate to contact a specialised association or a lawyer.