Dear Wout,
Your story grabs me, like thousands of other compatriots, very hard by the throat. I am writing you this letter in the full realization that my words can never take away the pain you and your family feel.
It is monstrous what happened on that fateful morning in September 2016. Such horrific facts are almost impossible to describe in words. And yet you have found words for it. That’s brave. And much needed. With your letter you once again press the facts to everyone. Because we have to be honest about it: sexual violence has been insufficiently addressed in our country for far too long. By justice. Through the assistance. By politics. Throughout society.
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That is changing. It is beginning to permeate all ranks of society that it cannot go on like this. There are an estimated 80 (!) rapes per day in our country. Every day 80 people and their loved ones are horribly scarred for life. At the judiciary, we are stepping up the fight against sexual violence on all fronts. I want to go deeper into this. In the hope that the thought that something will indeed change, can soften a small part of your insecurity, sadness and anger.
Vincent Van Quickenborne responds to the personal story of Wout and his mother; — © BART DEWAELE
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First of all, I completely agree with you that the penalties for sexual violence in our country are often too light. Anyone who has been raped will remain scarred for life. The penalties for rape should therefore be significantly increased. And we do. Last week our new sexual criminal law was voted on and approved in parliament. Under this law, the maximum penalties for rape will double from this summer. And in certain aggravating circumstances, the sentences can be up to 28 years. The judge can also impose that a convicted person must be followed up after his sentence.
The Lejeune Act continues to be a subject for debate. As you yourself point out, we must also take into account the importance of the successful reintegration of detainees into society. Most perpetrators, including those of sexual violence, are released at some point. We must do everything we can to ensure that they do not become victims again. That is why it is possible to release convicts early during their sentence under strict conditions. However, this is only possible after positive advice from the prison director and the judge. It will undoubtedly be hard for you to learn that the perpetrator has submitted this application, but know that this does not mean that this favor is actually awarded. There is a difference between asking and getting. With such serious offenses it is unlikely that an offender will be released early.
–Wout wrote a moving letter about his mother.
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In addition to the terrible mental and physical impact on the victim and her environment, there are also the financial consequences. Victims can request support from the victim fund. Family members and relatives can also do this. For victims such as your mother, interventions of up to 125,000 euros are possible. Justice has also come a long way there, although we are not there yet. Because it is true that victims need to be much better informed about these possibilities and that the procedures need to be faster. With a new law that is in full preparation, we will also improve on these points.
Moreover, the reception of victims must be more humane. In a place where they feel safe and immediately receive all necessary medical and psychological help. To this end, we have set up Care Centers after Sexual Violence. Six have already opened. Four more will be added in the coming year, so that there is one per province. This approach also helps the judiciary to collect evidence faster and better. In this way, as is already the case in Antwerp, we can double the number of convictions for rape.
–Nathalie was raped five years ago. — © DBA
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That’s what justice does. Unfortunately, the court only comes into the picture after the facts. That is why it is important that the fight against sexual violence on all fronts is waged by everyone. We must all work together to prevent this from happening. With any form of sexual violence we witness, we must intervene and make it clear that it is unacceptable. No is no and consent is the golden rule. Learning to deal with each other correctly in education, taking good care of victims and providing human guidance, these are all tasks for Flanders. Everyone has to pull the same cart.
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You see, dear Wout, a lot is changing. The turnaround you advocate in the conclusion of your letter is underway. Thousands of people in our country are working on this. Experts who help write new rules. Nurses and psychologists in our Care Centers after Sexual Violence who receive victims. Driven prosecutors who try to put perpetrators behind bars. They all make the fight against sexual violence a priority. A battle we must fight together. So that our mothers, our sisters and our daughters can go out safely and without having to worry. Whether for a morning run or going out in the evening.
I realize this does not take away the excruciating pain in your family. Nothing and no one can undo what has happened to you. For you and your family, I hope that the uncertainty will end with a quick and clear decision in the civil settlement of the case. That your understandable anger translates into combativeness. And that time, someday, will soften the immense sadness you feel. Hopefully, as in writing your open letter, you will continue to find the courage to endure all these trials. Together with your family.
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