Hi everyone,
It’s been four crazy days since the petition was launched. In that time, more than 7000 people have pledged their support. Many women have bravely shared their stories with me of similar events occurring around Cinquantenaire and Brussels. The story has also been covered by BRUZZ, La Capitale, RTBF, 7sur7 and The Brussels Times. If you know of any more that have been published, please leave a link in the comments below.
It’s been both shocking and inspiring to witness such a reaction to this issue. This shows very clearly that I’m not alone…
We have also received a response from Vincent De Wolf (Mayor of Etterbeek) yesterday. In the email, he recognises my situation and the ‘legitimate upheaval’ I am/we are all feeling. He also points to the same numbers that Olivier Slosse (Brussels-Capital Ixelles Police Spokesperson) has cited in The Brussels Times article: According to the police, in Etterbeek/Woluwe-Saint-Pierre/Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, there were no cases of rape or attempted rape in 2020. In Brussels Capital Ixelles police zone, there was one in 2020.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m extremely happy that is the case. But I believe, with substantial evidence to back this up, that women have felt unsafe for literally decades in Brussels. They have suffered in silence and often on their own. As Olivier Slosse points out too, it is a known fact that many incidents are not reported to the police.
To this, I want to say two things:
- Firstly, I want to change that. I recognise the incredible benefit the Care Centre after Sexual Violence brings to women who don’t feel comfortable going to the police. However, with this petition, I want to show women of Brussels that they are not alone and that they shouldn’t stay quiet because they think it won’t make a difference or because they feel shame/guilt. They too can turn traumatic experiences into empowering, transformative action. I want to inspire you to speak YOUR truth and to come forward in unison with other women to be part of the silent majority that becomes seen. You don’t have to show your face, but the more stories we have, the louder we are.
- Secondly, I don’t want these situations to even happen in the first place. In an ideal world, the Care Centre after Sexual Violence shouldn’t have to exist. I’m really glad it does for the moment, but I want to help shape Brussels into a city where women feel genuinely safe at all times. Having to carry pepper spray, ask friends to pick them up, or even relocate out of the city due to fear of attack is NOT normal. This cannot be emphasised enough. Both short-term and long-term solutions have to be implemented to reimagine this situation. I get the impression the police potentially underestimate the problem at hand, simply because there aren’t enough reported cases to make it a high priority. This is where the shift in mentality I want us to stimulate is, and it takes as many voices as possible to make a real difference.
I, and another victim, have just been interviewed for BX1 TV to share our stories. The segment will be shown at 6pm tonight with a response from Vincent De Wolf too. I am also hoping to put this petition officially to the local authorities/government since it reached their threshold of 5000 signatures - updates on that soon when have more additional information on whether it will be accepted. I am also organising a women's 2hr self-defense class which will be held online Feb 7 - more details will be sent soon.
Once again, thank you SO much for the signatures, shares and support. The momentum of this petition is incredibly heartwarming and I’m hopeful we can do something that will make a lasting change to help everyone. If there are any residents of Brussels that you know that haven’t signed it yet, please share it with them. Feel free to tune in a few hours to see BX1 segment too.
Speak very soon,