Around fifty people gathered on Thursday at Place de l’Université in Louvain-la-Neuve to protest against gender-based and sexual violence on the UCLouvain campus, urging the university and the municipality to take action.
UCLouvain acknowledges the students’ demands as legitimate and is more determined than ever to intervene. Several measures have already been implemented and more have been promised.
The protesters called for the university to refinance the Together support cell and ensure that complaints are properly followed up. They also demand that anyone found guilty of gender-based or sexual violence is expelled – whether they are students, professors, doctoral candidates, or staff members. Clear communication from UCLouvain about handling such cases was also requested.
Addressing the municipality, students called for public lighting to be switched back on at night, and for streetlights to be added in certain areas. They also demanded that a Centre for the Care of Victims of Sexual Violence (CPVS) be established in Ottignies, as has previously been promised.
The organisers of the demonstration acknowledged progress made by UCLouvain through various feminist initiatives on campus. Yet they emphasized the need for concrete results to restore a sense of safety and trust.
UCLouvain has strengthened the Together cell with three additional staff members and enhanced communication about available resources through a specific brochure included in Welcome Packs at the start of the academic year and dedicated web pages.
Jean-François Van Drooghenbroeck, the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, met with the participants and assured them that there is no impunity for people convicted of sexual violence. He reiterated UCLouvain’s commitment to combating these issues and announced the upcoming adoption of a strict new policy, complete with specific procedures and disciplinary measures.
