Ensure a Working Reporting Tool for Sexual Street Harassment
By Bestuur on
The Importance of Effectively Fighting Street Harassment in Maastricht
Recently, the Municipality of Maastricht launched a reporting tool for sexual street harassment. This is an important step, as street harassment remains a persistent issue that directly impacts the safety and well-being of our residents. Everyone should feel free and safe in public spaces, without fear of unwanted comments, intimidation, or worse.
However, a reporting tool is only effective if it is accessible, user-friendly, and functional. That is why our M:OED-fractie has submitted written questions to the Maastricht City Council. We want to know how the city ensures that this system actually makes a difference.
A Reporting System is Not an End in Itself
A reporting tool alone is not enough. It must lead to concrete actions that help combat street harassment. How are the reports followed up, and what measures will be taken to improve the situation? In order to be effective, it is also essential that the reporting tool is broadly known and accessible. However, aside from a press release, there has been little communication about it. The form is also only available in Dutch. Maastricht is an international city, and it is essential that all residents, including expats and students, can report incidents. There is also the question of why the definition of street harassment so limited. Not all forms of harassment are explicitly sexual. Potential reporters who have felt intimidated shouldn’t be discouraged from reporting this due to doubts as to whether the threats were of a sexual nature. We have asked the council to clarify these and other issues.
Tackling Street Harassment: More Than Just a Reporting System
M:OED supports initiatives that increase public safety, but only if they are well-executed. This reporting system must be effective and widely accessible. We will continue to question the Municipality and push for a functional system that truly makes a difference for victims of street harassment.
Click here for the written questions (in Dutch)