Improve approach to sexual violence in universities and universities of applied sciences

In 2022, universities received 300 reports of sexual violence or sexually transgressive behaviour. According to government commissioner Mariëtte Hamer, however, that number does not correspond with studies showing that these incidents occur much more frequently. Hamer therefore makes recommendations in her advice for universities of applied sciences and universities to better identify and prevent sexual misconduct.

For example, she advocates improving reporting and support procedures. Victims should know clearly where they can go with their story or report and how the procedure will proceed. Educational institutions currently give this too much of their own interpretation, resulting in a great deal of uncertainty and often causing students to refrain from making a report.

One team for social safety

Hamer also advocates one team in which staff responsible for social safety and wellbeing work closely together. Some institutions already have such a team, which can sometimes resolve incidents and potentially unsafe situations at an early stage.

According to Hamer, managers and other staff still have insufficient knowledge about forms of sexually transgressive behaviour and how to address them. Learning modules, awareness-raising meetings and training can increase this knowledge.

Sexual education as a subject

Hamer's research shows that students need sexual education. The government commissioner advocates including it as a subject in the curriculum, with attention paid, among other things, to sexual relationships and appropriate behaviour. According to Hamer, this can promote an open culture in which people feel able to speak up and an effective approach to sexual misconduct.

Preventing victim blaming

“More knowledge, an open culture in which people feel able to speak up, and sexual education also help prevent victim blaming,” says Vivian den Blanken of the Netherlands Youth Institute. Victims are sometimes confronted with comments that make them feel that what happened to them was their own fault. Increased attention to what sexual misconduct entails is therefore a good thing, according to Blanken.

“For many young people, sharing their story is difficult. Often because of shame and fear of other people's reactions. When young people know that their friends and teachers or trusted counsellors have knowledge about, for example, sexually transgressive behaviour and victim blaming, the threshold for talking about it or making a report may become lower.”

Don't look for a solution straight away

What can you do as an education professional if a student tells you about an experience with unwanted behaviour? Den Blanken: “Don't look for a solution straight away. That may be too much, too soon for the victim. Instead, it is better to listen and say: I hear you, I believe you. And ask: what do you need?”