Law students and professionals unite against street harassment

The evening, initiated by kot-à-projet "Les Bras Droit", began with a student's speech highlighting the importance of legitimizing everyone's freedom of speech: "It's time for shame to change sides," he proclaimed. Actions such as "Balance ton bar" or "Balance ton porc" have raised society's awareness of harassment, but what standards apply today? What can be done about this crucial issue? These questions arose after the broadcast of Sofie Peeters' documentary "Femme de la Rue". In 2012, she reported on the verbal assaults suffered by women on the streets of Brussels, and her documentary marked a turning point in the treatment of street harassment in Belgium. Indeed, the Belgian legislature passed a law sentencing harassers to an administrative fine of €250.

To enrich the discussion and answer students' questions, various speakers were present: Bertrand de Buisseret, former UNamur student and sanctioning civil servant for the commune of Ixelles; Noémie Blaise, also a former student and now substitute for the Namur Public Prosecutor; Margot Lamy, criminologist at the Namur Public Prosecutor's Office; Sophie Navez, member of the Namur police force specializing in harassment; Coline Leclercq, UNamur Gender Contact; and Pablo Giesdorf, student delegate in charge of the issue. Each shared their expertise on the handling of street harassment cases in Belgium.

"Prevention, action, repression" is the mantra of professionals in the field, who all stress the importance of interdisciplinarity in tackling this issue comprehensively. According to Bertrand de Buisseret, "combating harassment requires increased awareness of gender equality in all areas of society (social, educational, political, legal)". Although there is still a long way to go, various measures have been put in place (or do they exist?), including raising awareness among witnesses and those working in the field. Citizenship and sex education courses, as well as initiatives such as the PHARE scheme at UNamur, contribute to this daily fight against harassment. Find out more.

Over the course of the evening, students had the opportunity to tackle this issue in a concrete way, and to exchange views with professionals in the field. According to Marie-Amélie Delvaux, professor of judicial law and project leader, "this experience also enabled students to understand that the law is a tool at the service of values, encouraging them to become committed jurists".

This evening dedicated to street harassment was a testament to the commitment of Law School students and professionals in the field in the fight against this crucial issue, demonstrating that education, awareness and collective action are the pillars of lasting social change.