Ghent – A 56-year-old OCMW worker was killed during a home visit in Nieuw Gent on August 13, 2025. The city of Ghent has suspended all related services indefinitely until further notice, following this violent incident, reports 24brussels.
In response to the tragedy, the Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) in Ghent has closed its services, including welfare centres and service desks, until Monday, August 18, 2025. This closure aims to prioritize staff safety and emotional support in the wake of the attack on a dedicated employee.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday afternoon to honor the victim, who was known for her long-standing commitment to the community. Alderman Astrid De Brucker reiterated the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its workers, highlighting the significance of the incident on employee morale.
“A commemoration will take place at that time,”
De Brucker stated during an appearance on Radio 1’s De Ochtend program, further emphasizing that services will resume following the memorial.
“After that, we will resume services.”
Future Steps for OCMW Home Visits Following the Incident
In light of the tragedy, Alderman De Brucker indicated that a reassessment of home visit protocols will occur in consultation with affected staff members. In stark contrast to a recent case in Grimbergen, where social workers were advised to halt home visits, no such directive has been issued in Ghent yet.
However, De Brucker acknowledged that the recent violence might affect employees’ willingness to conduct home visits alone. He assured the workforce that their concerns would be respected and that collective discussions with trade unions would address the future organization of these visits.
The alderman stated that it is crucial for the city to protect its social workers while still maintaining accessibility for vulnerable citizens in need of assistance. Ghent is contemplating additional safety measures, including pair visitation and more rigorous risk assessments to safeguard employees and restore their confidence in the field.
“Some people may also want to postpone their home visits for a while,”
De Brucker explained, committing to consider all concerns voiced by social workers.
“We will take all these questions and concerns into account.”
The victim, a veteran social worker dedicated to her community, was fatally attacked during her duty. The suspect, a 38-year-old man with known mental health issues, was apprehended shortly after the incident. Following the murder, the Welfare Office in Nieuw Gent was promptly closed on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
