A belt framework for a vehicle seat or a vehicle-seat bench, wherein the belt framework comprises a vertical support and a horizontally running transverse strut, wherein the transverse strut is arranged on the vertical support, wherein a component of a passenger-restraint system is fastened on an attachment element of the transverse strut when the vehicle seat and the belt framework are in an assembled state. The belt framework is distinguished in that the belt framework comprises a safety element, wherein the safety element is present on the transverse strut, along a longitudinal axis of the transverse strut, wherein the safety element, together with the transverse strut, encloses the vertical supports.