Brussels, Belgium — An investigation has been launched following an “unacceptable” 40-minute delay by police to respond to an attempted rape in the Brussels municipality of Forest.
Local Mayor Charles Spapens condemned the delay, which has intensified concerns over security and prompted calls for urgent improvements in public safety measures.
The incident, which occurred last Sunday in Forest Park, saw Anaëlle Martini attacked while walking with her baby. A man approached her from behind, put her in a chokehold, and began to grope her.
Demonstrating remarkable courage, Martini managed to escape by striking her assailant’s crotch and fleeing. In the aftermath, her account on social media went viral, leading to an outpouring of support and prompting a solidarity walk through the park.
The attack has not only highlighted the community’s resilience but also exposed significant flaws in the local police response, igniting a heated debate about security in Brussels’ public spaces.
Community Support Amidst Horror
In her interview with RTBF, Martini recounted the immediate support she received from bystanders, painting a picture of a community that rallied quickly despite the police’s slow response.
“A young woman called the police, and another woman held my hand while her partner gathered my belongings that had fallen to the ground. Another passer-by called my husband to inform him, while a neighbour brought me water and a blanket,” she recalled.
The solidarity walk organized following Martini’s social media post saw dozens of residents gathering to reclaim Forest Park. Many women came forward with similar stories, underlining broader concerns about safety in the area.
However, the sense of unity was overshadowed by outrage over the delayed police response. The mayor’s swift condemnation of the incident has led to an internal investigation to determine why it took so long for officers to arrive.
‘Security is Above All a Feeling’
Forest Mayor Charles Spapens did not mince words about the police delay, describing it as “unacceptable.” He emphasized that while official crime statistics show a decrease — from 6,470 reported crimes in 2020 to 4,721 in 2023 — the perception of insecurity remains a critical issue.
“Security is above all a feeling,” Spapens stated. “While reported incidents have decreased, the key question is whether people are filing complaints. If incidents go unreported, they are not accounted for in official statistics.”
His remarks underscore a broader challenge faced by authorities: closing the gap between declining crime figures and public perception of safety. According to local officials, many residents hesitate to report incidents, fearing that it would be futile.
To address these concerns, Spapens outlined several measures aimed at enhancing security in Forest Park, including increasing police patrols, installing better lighting, and introducing more activities to make the area safer and more welcoming.
“We have added extra lighting to the park and are working to encourage more activity in the space, such as introducing a restaurant,” he said.
Balancing Surveillance and Privacy
The municipality’s security strategy extends beyond Forest Park, involving a mix of surveillance and community-oriented measures. Temporary surveillance is being deployed in areas identified as safety concerns. However, the mayor urged caution about over-relying on video surveillance.
“Video surveillance is a tool, but not a universal solution,” Spapens argued. “We have seen cases where crimes, including shootings, have taken place directly under surveillance cameras. It’s important to have a broader, multi-faceted approach to security.”
The ongoing debate over surveillance reflects a larger national conversation about privacy and policing in Belgium, particularly in urban areas like Brussels where the balance between security and civil liberties is a sensitive issue.
Improving Victim Support Services
In response to Martini’s attack, Mayor Spapens highlighted the need for better support systems for victims of sexual violence. The municipality works closely with the CPVS (Centre for the Care of Victims of Sexual Violence) and the EVA unit (Emergency Victim Assistance), a specialized police service for supporting victims.
Spapens admitted that underreporting remains a problem, especially for minor assaults and thefts. “People don’t always report minor assaults or thefts because they feel it won’t make a difference,” he said. The focus, he added, must be on encouraging victims to come forward and ensuring they receive adequate support.
The EVA unit, which handles cases of sexual violence with specialized care, has been cited as a model for other municipalities in Belgium. However, experts argue that more resources and awareness campaigns are necessary to bridge the gap between available services and public awareness.
Crime Trends in Forest
Contrary to the growing perception of insecurity, crime rates in Forest have been on a downward trajectory. Federal police data indicate a significant decrease in reported crimes over the past three years. However, the nature of certain incidents — particularly those involving violence against women — has amplified concerns.
Spapens clarified that Martini’s attack was not linked to youth violence, which has been a focal point of security discussions in Brussels. “The suspect in this case was an older individual, not a young offender. We must be careful not to make generalisations about crime trends,” he stressed.
Local authorities acknowledge that while Forest is not disproportionately more dangerous than other parts of Brussels, incidents like the attack on Martini have a profound impact on public confidence. The focus now, they say, must be on transparent investigations and tangible improvements to security infrastructure.
Reclaiming Public Spaces
The broader message from local leaders is clear: fear must not dictate how public spaces are used. The solidarity walk organized in support of Martini was seen as a powerful statement of community resilience.
“We must not let fear dictate how we use public space,” Spapens declared. “The best way to combat insecurity is to ensure that parks and streets remain vibrant and welcoming for all.”
Experts in urban safety support this view, noting that well-lit, active public spaces deter criminal behavior. Proposals to introduce new amenities in Forest Park, including cafés and recreational facilities, are part of a long-term strategy to make the area safer by increasing foot traffic.
Urban planning specialists argue that such initiatives can significantly improve perceived safety, particularly for women who are disproportionately targeted in public spaces.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Reforms
As the investigation into the police delay continues, the incident has ignited discussions about the broader challenges facing policing in Brussels. Critics argue that underfunding and resource constraints have left local police ill-equipped to respond promptly to emergencies.
The mayor’s call for increased patrols and better lighting in Forest Park is a step in the right direction, but experts warn that a piecemeal approach may fall short. Comprehensive reforms — including faster response times, enhanced victim support, and a balanced use of surveillance — are seen as crucial for restoring public trust.
For residents like Martini, the incident is a stark reminder of the urgency of these reforms. Her decision to speak out has not only prompted a local investigation but also ignited a citywide conversation about women’s safety in Brussels.
As the community waits for the outcome of the investigation, the message from local leaders is one of resilience and determination. “We cannot accept that women feel unsafe in our parks,” Spapens affirmed. “Our parks must be places of peace and security, not fear.”
