Redefining Safety on Public Transit: Moving Beyond Passive Reporting
Public transportation is the heartbeat of urban mobility, but for many, it remains a space where personal boundaries are frequently violated. Recent incidents on the Brussels Metro line 5 highlight a persistent challenge: the prevalence of sexual harassment and threatening behavior in shared transit spaces.
From the stretch between De Brouckère and Beekkant to the Maalbeek bus stop and the Sint-Guido station in Anderlecht, reports of harassment—ranging from unwanted touching to verbal abuse—underscore the need for a systemic shift in how cities handle transit safety.
The Power of the Active Bystander
One of the most significant shifts in transit safety is the move toward active bystander intervention. When a woman named Sofia was harassed on line 5, she did not remain silent; she alerted fellow passengers by calling the perpetrator a “viezerik” (pervert). This action prompted other travelers to come to her aid.
This shift from passive witnessing to active intervention is becoming a central pillar of safety strategies. STIB/MIVB, through spokesperson Laurent Vermersch, has explicitly called upon witnesses to intervene when they observe problematic behavior, recognizing that communal vigilance can deter harassers.
Art and Movement: Creative Strategies Against Sexism
Traditional warnings and security patrols are being supplemented by innovative, culturally driven campaigns. A prime example is the collaboration between STIB/MIVB, the City of Brussels, and the opera house De Munt.
Rather than relying solely on brochures or signage, these organizations have partnered with world-renowned dancer Jeny Bonsenge (Jeny BSG) to launch the “Medusa moves” campaign. This initiative uses dance and movement to empower victims and witnesses to react to sexual harassment.
By integrating art—specifically a dance developed in consultation with the creators of the opera Medusa—the campaign aims to provide travelers with a physical and psychological tool to break the cycle of intimidation. Tutorial videos and public demonstrations, such as those at Muntplein, aim to normalize the act of intervening.
Institutional Integration and Training
The future of transit safety lies in the seamless integration of transport operators and law enforcement. As noted by Laurent Vermersch, although safety services can intervene in the moment and encourage victims to seek legal recourse, the final identification and prosecution of offenders remain the responsibility of the police.
To bridge this gap, there is an increasing focus on professional training. STIB/MIVB is working to provide its personnel with the necessary tools through specialized training to handle these sensitive situations more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reports can be made via the MIVB emergency number. Security agents can then contact the victim to obtain a description of the perpetrator to assist in police reports.
Medusa moves is a dance developed by Jeny Bonsenge in collaboration with the opera Medusa, STIB/MIVB, and the City of Brussels. It is designed to inspire and empower passengers to intervene when witnessing sexual harassment.
Reports have been noted between De Brouckère and Beekkant, at the Maalbeek bus stop, and at the Sint-Guido station in Anderlecht.
Join the Conversation: Do you feel safer when you witness active bystander intervention in your city? Have you seen creative campaigns like “Medusa moves” in other urban centers? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on urban safety and mobility.
