Unacceptable behaviour
This page provides information on what to do if you have been subjected to unacceptable behaviour.
Confidential Counsellor for Unacceptable Behaviour
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 discuss will be treated with the utmost confidence.
What can the confidential counsellor do for you?
The confidential counsellor is there to:
- listen to your complaint, give advice and offer support.
- provide information on ways in which you might resolve the problem and how you can submit a formal complaint.
- provide guidance if you would like mediation to take place or want to submit a complaint to the complaints committee.
- ensure that you receive adequate follow-up support.
Complaints Committee for Unacceptable Behaviour
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 counsellor 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.
Complaints regulation
You can find more information about procedures concerning unacceptable behaviour in the Leiden University Regulations on Complaints Relating to Unacceptable Behaviour: (sexual) harassment, bullying, aggression, violence and discrimination.
Advisory Team for Concerning or Threatening Behaviour
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? Call 112
Sexual Assault Center
If you have experienced sexual harassment, you can always turn to the Sexual 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 the insurance page for 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.
Want to share your story and find support among people who have had similar experiences? Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands) offers live and online peer support groups, as well as a closed (anonymous) online community in which you can share your experiences. The website is in Dutch but you can translate it with the Google Translate tool.
Have you experienced sexual harassment and has this had a negative impact on your studies? Contact your Study adviser or coordinator to discuss the progress of your studies. Or make an appointment with a student 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 the Advisory 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. Consent can also be withdrawn at any time, even if you have already started. Read more about consent in this flyer and on the website of Our Bodies Our Voice, a foundation that works to prevent sexual harassment.
With the Consent is key campaign, Leiden University wants to contribute towards greater awareness of the topic of consent and issues of sexual harassment.
Want to get in touch with the organisers of the campaign? Send an email to studentwellbeing@sea.leidenuniv.nl.
Would your study or student association like to learn more about consent, bystander intervention and a safe culture? Student organisations affiliated with the university can take part in free training courses for board members and other key figures.
Amnesty ‘Let’s talk about yes’ manifesto
On 10 March 2022, Leiden University signed the Amnesty International 'Let's talk about YES' manifesto. In doing so, the university pledged its commitment to preventing sexual harassment. Measures are also being taken to ensure that everyone within the university feels responsible for a culture in which sex is based on equality and consent.