POINT. vzw, the advice and expertise center after sexual violence that was set up after the murder of Julie Van Espen, is in danger of going bankrupt. In an open letter, the organization writes that the subsidy tap was turned off, while the need for support is increasing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to write this. If we don’t get political and financial support soon, POINT. have to close its doors within a few months”, is the cry for help. “We have already closed quite a few cabinets in recent months, but as long as the need for our organization and long-term care after sexual violence is not recognized, we will be forced to leave 1,000 helped people, 120 volunteers and 3 employees out in the cold.”
The non-profit organization was founded four years ago in the aftermath of the murder of Julie Van Espen and the silent march through Antwerp in which 15,000 people participated. POINT. organizes support groups where victims of sexual violence can come into contact with fellow sufferers, even after the period in which they can go to the care centers after sexual violence. “It is the strength of POINT. to relieve other oversubscribed initiatives with on top of that a specific expertise in sexual violence. If we have to close our doors, the victims will lose their only grip, with all the consequences that entails, such as loss of work, depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. We cannot allow that as a society, can we?”, argues the non-profit organization.
Four new victims a week
The organization, which works with professional volunteers, receives four new victims per week. That they have to compensate for the shortages in psychological assistance without structural support is “unreal”, it sounds. She therefore points out to politicians, in particular Flemish Minister of Welfare Hilde Crevits (CD&V), her responsibility to work as quickly as possible on strengthening that assistance. The organization advocates cooperation between various existing initiatives, and hopes that the government can support them in this. “Let us think together, let us work together and, above all, let us find solutions together. We hear and see all the victims, do you hear and see them too?”
POINT. You can support vzw by making a donation to account number BE82 7350 6454 2168.
READ ALSO. Four years after the murder of their daughter, the parents of Julie Van Espen (23) take stock: “Finally progress is being made at the Justice Department” (+)
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