Mechelen

Our Work

The city of Mechelen adopts an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach where collective impact and sustainable improvement are key. The Department Prevention and Urban Security within the city administration is the backbone of the local urban security and peace building programs, which are focused around six domains: 

1. Active citizenship and participation of vulnerable minorities in local peacebuilding programs to include the voices of vulnerable communities.
2. Safe environment for children and youngsters to grow up, with a specific focus on restoring safety in a context of domestic violence.  
3. Safe, net and attractive public domain to tackle feelings of insecurity, with a special focus on gender related violence and street harassment.
4. Early intervention for vulnerable young people who are losing connection to regular social institutions (school, families, police, justice, etc.) with a focus on re-integration and restoring mutual trust between youngsters and institutions.
5. A consequent law enforcement for so called petty crimes with a focus on restorative justice and mediation programs between victims and offenders.
6. Outreach harm reduction programs for extreme vulnerable persons with a complex combination of addiction, mental health and housing issues.