Domestic violence peaks in summer months

Domestic violence in Belgium reaches a peak in the summer, according to federal police statistics, which reveal that the risk of being killed by a relative is greater than the risk of being killed by a stranger. Every year, about 160 people in Belgium die due to family or partner violence.

The police write up about 45,000 reports annually for criminal offenses related to violence. And that's just the tip of the iceberg, according to police, because victims wait until after 35 incidents on average before they decide to file a complaint.

Domestic violence by a spouse or partner occurs more often during the summer months, the statistics show, with more incidents of violence reported in July and August than in any other months. The reason for the increase is simple, say police: people are at home together more often in the summer.