Sexual assault attempt reported at violence against women protest
The Groningen police are looking for witnesses to an attempted sexual assault that happened during a protest against sexual violence against women. The assault occurred during a Dolle Mina protest on August 30.
At the end of August, the feminist movement Dolle Mina protested in several cities, including Groningen, after multiple violent crimes against women, including the murder of a 17-year-old girl. The protest’s slogan was: “The night also belongs to us.”
According to the police, “an unknown man attempted to assault a young woman” at the protest in Groningen. The incident happened at around 10:30 p.m. between Zuiderdiep and Folkingedwarsstraat, the police said. “The fact that this incident occurred during a demonstration specifically focused on women’s safety has a significant social impact,” the police said.
The woman has pressed charges. The police interviewed witnesses and reviewed available video footage, but are seeking additional information. “Because the incident took place during a crowded march with thousands of participants, it is quite possible that some people may have recorded footage that may show the suspect,” the police said.
The suspected man was possibly middle-aged, with lightly tanned skin, black, close-shaven hair, and facial hair. He had an average to stocky build and was wearing a black jacket, black pants, and white shoes.
Early in September, there was already a report of a sexual assault at the Groningen protest. A man grabbed a woman and kissed her on the mouth. It is unclear whether this is the same incident the police are now investigating. A police spokesperson could not confirm this to NOS.
The Dolle Mina organization also received reports of incidents at other protests. In Eindhoven, for example, men blocked the procession and harassed participants. In Maastricht, men whistled at, threatened, and pinched women.
