Study associations and organisations have to do more against transgressive behaviour – according to themselves. Together with Government Commissioner for combatting sexually transgressive behaviour Mariëtte Hamer, they are now presenting a pact.

‘You’re not a real man if you don’t ask for consent,’ (the original saying in Dutch rhymes and is therefore a catchy phrase, ed.) said Mariëtte Hamer on Thursday during an episode of the radio 1 programme Spraakmakers. Hamer is the Government Commissioner responsible for combatting sexually transgressive behaviour and sexual violence.

Together with confidential advisor Sophie Haccau of student association Virgiel in Delft, Hamer has now presented a pact with agreements drawn up by a majority of student associations and organisations, the Intercity Student Consultation (ISO) and Amnesty International. The pact is going to be presented to Minister of Education Robbert Dijkgraaf and will be released online today.

Boundaries

According to an Amnesty International study, 1 out of 10 female students becomes a victim of rape. Confidential advisors at Radboud University have already expressed shock about those numbers. The pact initiators, too, find the high number “unacceptable.” Because of this, students have to attend workshops to learn about each other’s boundaries. The idea: always ask for consent.

With the pact, associations and organisations have formulated a nationwide approach with action points and tips for the first time. It includes, among other aspects, indications of preventive measurements necessary, steps to take following an incident, and suggestions for improvement of reporting procedures.

Right direction

Elisa Weehuizen, chair of the Dutch Student Union (LSVb), sees the pact as a step in the right direction. ‘Until now, it was unclear to student organisations which steps they could take. That’s precisely what makes this pact so essential.’

Jorgen Blom, board member of ISO, is also satisfied with the agreement. ‘It’s the responsibility of student organisations to foster a safe environment for their members,’ he tells Vox. ‘The pact includes concrete steps ensuring we can realize that.’

Educational institutions are called upon to support the associations. According to Blom, Radboud University, where he studied for a few years, is on the right path. Every year, large student associations sign a declaration of intent regarding social safety measures. Additionally, the university offers information for students on social safety measures and training courses for employees.

But he also sees room for improvement. ‘Think of offering workshops or moments of intervention for students. Or making the reporting of transgressive behaviour in student associations mandatory.’

Translation: Antonia Leise