Brussels, (Brussels Morning)- A year after women took to the streets to protest against sexual violence in the Brussels nightlife, the French (COCOF) and Flemish Community Commissions (VGC) come up with an action plan. “Thanks to these kinds of projects, the employees will feel more supported in order to prevent sexual intimidation and to better receive victims”, says BRUZZ.
Last October, women took to the streets en masse to protest against sexual violence in the nightlife. The protests came as a result of the facts denounced in Brussels by the #balancetonbar movement .
The French (COCOF) and Flemish Community Commissions (VGC) in Brussels worked together with the field partners on a concrete action plan to combat the problem. They are releasing 100,000 euros to make the nightlife in Brussels safer.
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With the subsidy from the COCOF, the Safe At Night association has developed films that raise awareness among catering staff. The VGC is also committed to developing a free training offer via a subsidy, which employees of the Brussels nightlife can sign up for free of charge. The VGC awarded a subsidy to vzw Pimento for this.
In this training, employees are made aware of sexual intimidation and violence against women and they are taught tools to deal with and respond appropriately to situations of sexual harassment and violence.
“We want everyone to feel safe enough to dance and party wherever they want, in complete freedom and safety,” says VGC chairman Elke Van den Brandt (GROEN). “And if incidents do occur, the victims must immediately turn to employees of the organisation. Pimento’s training courses will make a big difference.”
According to VGC-College member Pascal Smet, “a vibrant nightlife is crucial for a vibrant metropolis”, but there is “still a lot of work on the way to a real change of mentality”.
‘Widely supported plan’
That is why the training courses are made available to employees in the nightlife, but also to employees who work in catering establishments within the cultural, youth and sports sector. “We ensure that this is a widely supported plan so that we can continue to meet each other in a pleasant and safe manner,” says Smet.
“The #BalanceTonBar action shows that there is still a lot of work to be done before women and LGBTQIA+ people can really feel safe when going out,” said Babara Trachte (Ecolo), COCOF College President. “Thanks to these kinds of projects, the employees will feel more supported in order to prevent sexual intimidation and to better accommodate the victims.”
