Every week, the helpline misses about nine calls by telephone and more than fifty via chat, says De Boeck. “The helpline has only been open since 3 p.m. today (Tuesday, ed.) and I have heard from my colleagues that they are answering calls and chats, but they can only do what they can.”
De Boeck cannot say for sure that there are more calls, although she suspects there are. “Opening hours should be extended, but that is a political decision. We think it is important that the helpline is staffed by professionals with a background in offender therapy and counselling. That costs money, but the helpline must be of high quality and safe. At least one on-call time per day would be good, especially at times like this.”
If you are concerned about your own sexual feelings or behavior towards minors, you can contact the ‘Stop it Now!’ helpline. on the free number 0800 200 50 or on stopitnow.be. In the 6 years that the helpline has existed, there have been more than 2,500 calls, about 350 to more than 400 per year.