“I Just Have to Go and Heal”: A Qualitative Study on the Acceptability of the Belgian Sexual Assault Care Centres for Victims of Recent Sexual Assault
Saar Baert·Inês Keygnaert·Kristien Roelens·Paul Gemmel·Iva Bicanic·Sara Van Belle·Mariska Meersschaut
Background: Sexual Assault Care Centres (SACCs) in Belgium provide integrated medical and psychological care, a forensic examination and the option to report to the police to victims of sexual assault (SA). Understanding victims’ acceptability of these services is essential for improving SACC’s effectiveness and informing policy. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 victims and 14 support persons to explore victims’ experiences with SACCs. The victims represented diverse character