Contrat de Quartier Durable – Petite Suisse
In the fall of 2021, cases of spiking, sexual assault and rape took place in the Ixelles cemetery neighborhood, triggering the Balance Ton Bar movement. Years later, a “Sustainable Neighborhood Contract” was granted to the municipality of Ixelles : an action plan concluded between the Region, the Municipality, and the residents of a Brussels neighborhood, setting out a program of actions to be carried out with a defined budget, aimed at improving the environment of a neighborhood.
In this framework, the Ixelles municipality was searching for project leaders for the project “Prevention of nighttime code and risky behavior”, to carry out prevention, training, civil participation, and support on themes related to nightlife : harassment in nightlife, as well as civic behavior in public spaces (such as noise pollution, littering, etc.).
Our Contribution
Starting from studies and reports
Through the Egerie study published just before the start of the project and an important work of collecting feedbacks, the following observations emerged:
- An increased demand for training on the prevention, combating, and management of sexual and discriminatory violence, both from the Reca sector and from students.
- A need for clarification regarding the role of night mediators, accompanied by a request for training.
- A marked weariness among ULB students towards existing awareness campaigns.
The emergence of new cases of chemical submission, both in bars in the Cimetière d'Ixelles and at student parties, combined with a continuing feeling of insecurity.
Significant difficulties in mobilizing the public, despite communication efforts, particularly affecting students (linked, among other things, to the Paysage decree and the increase in student precariousness), local residents, establishments in the Reca sector, with a significant drop in attendance at the Cimetière d'Ixelles party zone, with bars struggling since lockdown and the Balance ton bar movement, despite the relatively widespread implementation of measures to prevent sexual violence.
Mapping the active social structures in the area and create collaborations through this 3 year project
Brussels By Night was awarded funding to work on securing the neighbourhood and defined it objectives for the next 3 years, in collaboration with other non-profit and community organisations. The project is all about creating collaboration to raise awareness among partygoers, students, and those who work with partygoers about gender issues and sexual violence in party settings, but also to conduct a field study specific to the area and those who bring it to life.
Supporting the hospitality and student sectors in implementing actions and measures aimed at preventing gender-based and sexual violence and creating safer spaces will also be at the core. Brussels By Night will also train hospitality venues and party organizers (including student organisations) to understand gender issues, prevent sexual violence, and care for victims.