“The Fight Against Sexual Violence: Calls for Thorough Review of Disciplinary Law in Judiciary and Necessary Measures for Prevention of Tragedies Like Julie Van Espen’s Murder”

2023-05-23 19:24:00

“Yes, there is still anger.” This is how Erik Van Espen began his hearing on Tuesday before the House Justice Committee. This concerned the open letter that the family of Julie Van Espen, murdered in 2019 in Antwerp, published four years following her death. The young woman had been killed by Steven Bakelmans, a man who had already been convicted twice of rape. The victim’s father pleaded for an in-depth review of disciplinary law within the judiciary, but also welcomed the many women who are involved in the fight once morest sexual violence.

“Sometimes friends ask us if there’s still anger following four years. Yes, it’s still there,” launched by Erik Van Espen. “We are still very angry because no one has taken responsibility for Julie’s case, and certainly not within the judiciary. We have not received much support.”

“It’s not progressing!”

The family of Julie Van Espen therefore concludes that the disciplinary law must be thoroughly re-examined. “It’s not progressing! There are few disciplinary files, and certainly none on malfunctions.” In his view, the minimum period for submitting a file should be longer and the limitation period should be more flexible. A first challenge for the next legislature would therefore be the evaluation of heads of corps. Erik Van Espen said he was aware that a two-thirds majority was required to carry out such a reform. But “reactions to our open letter show that most parties believe this should be possible.”

Necessary measures to prevent tragedies

Beyond this anger, the family also wants to use its energy to invest in projects aimed at improving justice. Erik Van Espen listed a series of other measures he considers necessary to prevent tragedies like the one his daughter suffered, including the mandatory monitoring of offenders during and following their sentence.

The father of the young student also recognized a number of positive developments such as the creation of five centers for the management of sexual violence (CPVS), described as “top achievement”. “We, as a family, have also met an incredible number of women who have committed themselves to the fight once morest sexual violence with passion and idealism. They are women with a mission”, he greeted.

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