Belgian Woman Gets 7 Years for Torturing and Imprisoning Partner

Shocking Domestic Abuse Case Ends with Prison Sentence

A 47-year-old woman from Grobbendonk, Belgium has been sentenced to seven years in prison for what the court described as 'particularly serious' abuse against her partner. The Turnhout court heard how the woman subjected her husband to months of torture, beatings, and imprisonment before he managed to escape from a dog kennel in March 2025.

Horrific Details of Abuse Emerge

The victim, who was found by neighbors in a confused and severely injured state, had been beaten, tortured, and locked up for months in their home near Antwerp. According to court documents, the abuse included being forced to clean feces from 60 chihuahuas barefoot using caustic chemicals, being locked in a dark cellar and dog kennel, and being denied food and water for extended periods.

Two weeks before his escape, the woman poured boiling water over her partner because two of her dogs had died. 'The physical and psychological integrity and human dignity of the victim have been seriously compromised,' stated the judge in the ruling.

Video Evidence and Animal Neglect

Investigators discovered videos the woman had recorded herself showing the humiliation and abuse of her partner. The case also revealed shocking animal neglect - the woman had previously been fined €3,600 for keeping 60 dogs in appalling conditions in her home.

'This trust was seriously violated,' the court noted about the relationship context, adding that 'the victim should have been able to expect protection and trust from his partner.'

Broader Context of Domestic Violence in Belgium

This case comes amid concerning statistics about domestic violence in Belgium. According to European Institute for Gender Equality data, police recorded 39,397 intimate partner violence offences in 2022 alone. Physical violence accounted for 22,563 of these cases, with psychological violence making up 16,169 offences.

Belgium recently passed landmark legislation in June 2023 that legally defines femicide and mandates better data collection on gender-based violence. However, as this case demonstrates, severe domestic abuse continues to occur across the country.

Sentencing and Compensation

In addition to the seven-year prison sentence, the woman must pay €10,000 in compensation to her victim. Her lawyer described the sentence as 'a bitter pill to swallow' but acknowledged it didn't come out of nowhere.

The case highlights the intersection between domestic violence and animal abuse, with experts noting that perpetrators who abuse animals are often also violent toward human family members. All 60 dogs found in the woman's home have been removed and placed in shelters.

Domestic violence remains significantly underreported worldwide, with many victims trapped by isolation, financial dependence, and psychological manipulation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the extreme forms abuse can take and the importance of intervention and support systems for victims.