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NOT ALLOWEDOffence All of Belgium

Is it a crime to keep calling or messaging my ex after we split up, or to wait outside their home?

In short

Yes. Stalking (harassment) is a level 2 crime; in aggravated cases it is level 3.

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This rule in 57 seconds
Video transcript

You have split up. Your ex does not answer the phone. Not allowed: Constant calls, messages and waiting at the door are stalking: a level 2 crime. Level 3 in serious cases. The right way: If they said 'no', stop all contact. Discuss child matters the way the court has set. Outcome (Level 2 crime): Stalking: 6 months – 3 years prison; Aggravated: 3 – 5 years prison; Also: Restraining order.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • Calling or messaging all the time, following someone on social media, or waiting outside their home or work is stalking if it seriously disturbs the person's peace and you know or should know this (art. 237, level 2).
  • Aggravated stalking is level 3 (art. 238). This applies, for example, when the victim is a child or a vulnerable person. It is also level 3 when the stalker has authority over the victim or is in a position of trust, or when two or more people stalk together.
  • If the other person has said 'I don't want this', stop contacting them. Discuss matters about the children in the way the family court has decided.
  • If someone is stalking you, keep the messages and go to the police.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICEOffence · Criminal Code, level 2
Fine / payment
At this level, the main penalty is prison or an alternative penalty; the victim can also claim compensation separately

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek I, art. 36ejustice.just.fgov.be

Court / prison
6 months – 3 years in prison or electronic monitoring; 120–300 hours of community service or probation are also possible; in aggravated cases (art. 238) level 3: 3 – 5 years in prison

Legal basis:Strafwetboek (W 29.2.2024) Boek I, art. 36

What does this level mean? Criminal Code, level 2: 6 months – 3 years in prison or an alternative sentence. All penalty levels →

What really matters: the indirect consequences

What do these terms mean?

Criminal record
The state register of convictions handed down by a court. The extract asked for a job, residence or nationality application comes from it. Municipal GAS fines are not entered in it.

All terms: glossary →

Why does this rule exist?

Stalking after a break-up disturbs a person's peace and safety; it is often a warning sign of more serious violence. The rule protects the new life of the person who ended the relationship.

Where can you go?

  • Card StopIf you shared your card details, call straight away: 078 170 170
  • SafeonwebForward suspicious messages to verdacht@safeonweb.be
  • PoliceTo report threats, blackmail or stalking: 101 or your local police station
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
12 / 12 statements in an official source
Checked: 22.10.2026
Last checked
22.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 12 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

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