Ghent Students Call for Permanent Resource to Report Sexual Abuse

Ghent – Students in Ghent are calling for the establishment of a permanent Purple Point to support victims of sexual harassment—an initiative inspired by a successful model in Spain. Backed by nearly 3,500 signatures and growing public support, advocate Manar Kharrazi has voiced strong endorsement of the proposal following a recent controversial rape case ruling in Leuven.

The students aim to introduce a permanent Purple Point—a dedicated, visible location where individuals can seek support if they witness or experience sexual harassment. While Ghent offers some avenues for reporting such incidents, the students say there is currently no fixed site with specialized personnel available year-round, particularly in high-traffic nightlife areas like Overpoort. This gap, they argue, puts vulnerable people at risk and leaves victims without safe, immediate access to help.

Is a permanent reporting center being considered in Ghent?

Momentum for the initiative has grown in the wake of public outcry over a recent court verdict in Leuven, where a medical student was found guilty of rape but received no punishment. Many young people and students view the ruling as evidence of systemic failure in how the justice system addresses sexual violence, especially in cases involving privileged offenders. The decision has stirred widespread anger and prompted a renewed push for preventive measures in other cities like Ghent.

Manar Kharrazi shared her thoughts on the pervasive nature of harassment and the implications of the court’s judgment:

“I don’t know a single woman who hasn’t been groped or harassed while out, or worse. It’s absurd that nothing is done to prevent that. In this case, rape was proven, which is not legally evident, and yet there were no consequences for the perpetrator. The victim didn’t even get the protection of a restraining order. You can’t just suspend any form of punishment for murder, so why would you do it for rape?”

The Purple Point concept, developed in Spain, has proven effective in making nightlife and public events safer. Staff at these locations are trained to offer non-judgmental support, guidance, and assistance with filing police reports or connecting victims to professional services. The presence of a clearly marked Purple Point also serves as a deterrent to inappropriate behavior.

Officials note that these points are clearly signposted—often using purple markers—so that individuals in need can easily find help. They emphasize that the initiative not only supports survivors but also actively works to prevent incidents from happening in the first place.

Kharrazi, advocating for the idea in Belgium, added:

“This place not only stops potential offenders but also gives victims a safe spot to go if they face harassment. It helps people feel safer when they go out.”