If you have been subjected to (sexual) intimidation, bullying, aggression, violence or discrimination, you can contact the Confidential Counsellors for Unacceptable Behaviour. They have a fully independent position and everything you discusswill be treated with the utmost confidence.
Formal complaints about unacceptable behaviour can be submitted to the Complaints Committee for Unacceptable Behaviour. This can result in disciplinary measures being taken.The confidential ounsellor can provide you with further information about the committee and assist you in submitting a complaint to them. Your complaint will always be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
Have you been subjected to concerning or threatening behaviour by a fellow student, for example, stalking, sexual harassment or threats? Are you worried that a fellow student might pose a danger to other students or staff? Or do you have concerns about abusive behaviour in the home or suspect that a fellow student may be a victim of domestic abuse?For issues of this nature you can turn to the Advisory Team for Concerning or Threatening Behaviour.
Sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is any form of sexual behaviour that is perceived as unwanted or coerced by the person experiencing it. It is also known as sexually transgressive behaviour or sexual violence.
Examples of sexual harassment include:
- Physical contact that is against your will, such as unwanted touching, sexual assault or rape.
- Intimidating or transgressive comments or (online) messages.
- Spreading sexually explicit images or messages without consent, or threatening to do so.
If you have been subjected to sexual harassment, you may experience feelings of shame and other unpleasant thoughts and emotions. It's perfectly normal to find it difficult to talk about your experiences and seek help, but it is very important that you do so.
Did it just happen and are you in danger or in need of medical care? Call112
Sexual Assault Center
If you have experienced sexual harassment, you can always turn to theSexual Assault Center. Here, professional counsellors are available 24/7 to listen to you and provide the care you need. They work closely with doctors, psychologists and the police and can put you in touch with the right sources of help. But only if this is what you want.
Call free of charge:0800 0188
Available 24/7
Chat with the Sexual Assault Center
Mon-Fri from 16.00 till 06.00
Sat/Sun/national holidays from 20.00 till 06.00
The sooner the better – but it’s never too late
We recommend that you contact the Sexual Assault Center as soon as possible. This is important for your psychological recovery and also, in cases of sexual violence, to help prevent pregnancy, treat possible venereal diseases and secure evidence.
It is never too late to seek help. Even if the experience took place some time ago, you can still contact the Sexual Assault Center.
Insurance coverage
Not all insurance policies cover specialist care such as psychologist appointments. Check in advance what is included in your policy and if required, take out additional coverage. Visit theinsurance pagefor further information.
In many cases, sexual harassment is punishable by law. You can therefore choose to contact the police, even if the experience took place some time ago.
When you contact the police, you will be put in touch with a staff member who is specially trained in this area. They will explain what to expect if you choose to report a crime, so you won’t encounter any surprises later. It’s then up to you if you want to file a report.
- Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands) offers a privateonline communitythrough which you can share stories with other people who have experienced sexual harassment.The website is in Dutch but you can translate it with the Google Translate tool.
The staff ofRap 100 ‘Air your heart’can offer a listening ear and help you to bring order to the things that are bothering you. All conversations are strictly confidential.
Call free of charge:071 7440 165
Every day from 16.00 till 18.00, and from 20.00 till 22.00.
Have you experienced sexual harassment and has this had a negative impact on your studies? Contact yoursStudy adviser or coordinatorto discuss the progress of your studies. Or make an appointment with astudent psychologist.
Have you been sexually harassed by a fellow student, lecturer or other university staff member? You can talk to the Confidential Counsellor for Unacceptable Behaviour. They can offer advice and support, and discuss ways in which you could solve the problem or make an official complaint. The confidential counsellor can also refer you to right sources of care.
Are you concerned that a fellow student is exhibiting sexually transgressive behaviour, for example towards a fellow student? Contact theAdvisory team for concerning or threatening behaviour.
Clear communication can help to prevent sexual harassment. Always explicitly ask for consent (permission). That way you can be sure that the other party agrees. Asking for consent can also be sexy: you can talk to each other about what you’d like to do. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, even if you have already started. Read more about consent onthis flyerand the website ofOur Bodies Our Voice, a foundation that works to prevent sexual harassment.
If you want to get in touch with the organisers of the 'Consent is key' campaign, please send an email tostudentwellbeing@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
Would your study or student association like to learn more about consent, communication and a safe culture? Take part in a training course offered byOur Bodies Our Voice, a foundation that specialises in the prevention of sexual harassment. Training courses are subsidised by university. You can request more information by sending a mail todiversitytraining@BB.leidenuniv.nl.
