Turnhout man gets 2-year sentence for assaulting family; 7-year-old son alerted school

A 51-year-old man from Turnhout, Belgium, has been sentenced to two years in prison, with one year suspended, for physically assaulting his wife and son. The abuse came to light when the couple's 7-year-old son confided in his teacher at school about the regular beatings he and his mother endured.

The school director contacted the police in May 2024 after the young boy described how he frequently witnessed his mother being beaten and kicked, resulting in bruises and bleeding from the mouth. When the boy attempted to protect his mother, he too was subjected to physical violence.

Following the escalating abuse, the parents separated, and the father was issued a restraining order. However, he violated this order and, in the month prior to his sentencing, threatened to shoot his ex-wife. The court ordered the 51-year-old man to undergo rehabilitation for his issues with aggression, drugs, alcohol, and gambling. He has also been issued a new restraining order.