Many questions still surround the matter, while the officer’s wife told RTL on Tuesday that she felt abandoned by the authorities in the wake of her husband’s passing.
When questioned, the police directorate redirected the matter to the Ministry of Internal Security.
In response, the ministry said there were a number of procedures in place for such events, and the widow had been informed of these procedures. However, they acknowledged it was a difficult situation for loved ones left behind after such a tragedy, and explained there were a number of services available for referral to support family members.
The ministry clarified that the police officer’s widow had been referred to the psychological and legal services available following the accident. In addition, she had been in contact with department heads both in the regional police directorate and at the ministry. However, it was not clear from the ministry’s statement at which point in time this contact had taken place.
The statement further claimed that attempts to support the woman had been made in further proceedings. At their last meeting, the woman was informed both verbally and in writing that all possible accompanying procedures had been proposed and carried out by the ministry. The psychological service is still available, and the widow is free to contact the ministry with any concerns.
However, questions remain over the availability of support, and at which point responsibility must fall upon the family left behind to turn to respective support services, especially during a time of mourning when just coping with everyday life is a challenge in itself.
The civil service union CGFP has criticised the circumstances which leave bereaved families feeling isolated and abandoned in the aftermath of such events. The union is now supporting the policeman’s widow with accessing financial aid and clearing up issues with the organisation of her pension. Union president Romain Wolff said she should not have to wait to be paid the full amount allotted to her, and said it could not wait until all procedures had been completed.
The CGFP wrote to the ministry at the end of July, requesting a rapid response. In many cases, however, this procedure can take months.
