An investigation has been launched after police took 40 minutes to attend to a woman after an attempted rape in the Brussels municipality of Forest – a delay which the local mayor has described as "unacceptable."
Local resident Anaëlle Martini was attacked last Sunday while walking with her baby in Forest Park. A man approached her from behind, held her in a chokehold and began to grope her. The woman was able to free herself by striking the attacker's crotch with her knee and running away.
After sharing her experience on social media, other women came forward with similar stories, prompting a solidarity walk. The solidarity among citizens was particularly evident at the time of the incident. "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," Martini told RTBF.
'Security is above all a feeling'
Police took 40 minutes to arrive at the scene – an "unacceptable" delay, according to Forest Mayor Charles Spapens (PS). He added that an investigation has been launched to establish why it took so long.
Crime rates in Forest have been on a downward trend, as seen in the latest federal police data: 6,470 crimes were reported in 2020 compared to 4,721 in 2023. However, the perception of insecurity remains strong. "Security is above all a feeling," Spapens explained. "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."
Spapens underlined that while Forest Park is not necessarily more dangerous than other parks in Brussels, tragic incidents like Martini's attack highlight the need for continuous improvement in security measures. This includes a greater police presence through additional patrols, as well as urban planning initiatives aimed at improving visibility and accessibility.
"We have added extra lighting to the park and are working to encourage more activity in the space, such as introducing a restaurant," the mayor said. "These initiatives deter criminal activity and improving the general sense of safety."
Beyond the park
Security efforts are not limited to the park. The municipality is collaborating with police and regional authorities to deploy temporary surveillance in areas with recurring safety concerns.
The use of surveillance cameras remains a heated debate. While the municipality has installed cameras in key locations, Spapens cautions against over-reliance on this technology. "Video surveillance is a tool, but not a universal solution. 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."
A police officer with a gun. Credit: Belga / Dirk Waem
The mayor also stressed the importance of filing complaints to ensure that incidents are documented and addressed. "People don't always report minor assaults or thefts because they feel it won't make a difference," he noted. "This is why we are focusing on improving victim support and ensuring that those who come forward feel heard and supported."
He added that the police zone pays particular attention to victims of sexual violence. In addition to the CPVS (Centre for the Care of Victims of Sexual Violence), victims can also turn to the EVA unit (Emergency Victim Assistance), a police service specifically dedicated to supporting victims.
'We must not let fear dictate how we use public space'
Spapens affirmed that Forest faces vandalism, theft and juvenile delinquency just like other municipalities in Belgium. However, he clarified that Martini's attack was not linked to youth violence. "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 insisted on his commitment to making Forest a safer place for residents and visitors through a combination of law enforcement, urban planning, and community engagement. He aims to address both actual crime and the perception of insecurity.
As the investigation into Martini's case continues, local leaders are urging residents to reclaim the public space and actively participate in making their neighbourhoods safer. "We must not let fear dictate how we use public space," the official concluded. "The best way to combat insecurity is to ensure that parks and streets remain vibrant and welcoming for all."
