Trigger warning: This article contains depictions of sexual harassment!
97% of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced some kind of sexual assault in their life. Furthermore, a Dutch study shows that 11% of women in the Netherlands have been a victim of rape during their time as a student. This number is shocking and proposes a dangerous life during student years. What is it like at our university, and is anyone helping to prevent sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is a real aspect of life that also affects students at our university, let that be on-campus or off-campus. For example, two years ago, Marie––a second-year political science student––visited a borrel organised by study association Machiavelli. ‘They had just changed their location, which meant a new environment and new staff. I got a little drunk, and after some time, I went outside to smoke with some guy. I don’t remember what we talked about, but the bouncer probably overheard us. Before he let us in again, he reached out his hand and choked me, followed by the words: ‘That is how you handle girls.’ I had no idea what was going on and laughed it off while I went back in. I have not told the study association because I was too embarrassed, and it is still hard to think about it. My private space was extremely violated by a stranger.’ The Machiavelli board back then––unaware of Marie’s story––had already trouble with this man’s behaviour and had ‘serious talks’ with the owner of the location. Consequently, the guard was fired, and the location is not attended to anymore.
This story depicts violence inflicted by a staff of the event, other stories include students, friends, or acquaintances from UvA who are in the same study program. An uncomfortable feeling growls, which should not take hold in an environment that is supposed to be a safe place. Off-campus events, such as borrels organised by study associations represent a dangerous setting for students. So, we asked one of the study association’s current board, Machiavelli, how they plan to prevent sexual harassment. First off, there is a ‘zero-tolerance’ concerning sexual assault and drugs. If anyone breaks this agreement, they will be kicked out––like the security guard––and the situation will be handled. Chair of Machiavelli, Bente Ferwerda shares: ‘To our frustration, harassment is the sad and disgusting reality in the nightlife of Amsterdam.’ However, everything is done to fight this and create a safe space at their events. Due to incidents that happened in previous years––which they know about––they have responses at hand to act fast. Furthermore, two internal trust persons within the board and one external one were implemented for complaints and to provide a safe environment for students to report. With spiking becoming prominent it is important to examine what resources are available for students. We asked specifically about it: ‘Spiking is indeed a big problem in nightlife. However, no incidents of spiking at Machiavelli borrels have been reported to us. If it would happen, this issue falls under the agreements and zero-tolerance policy we have with the staff of our borrel locations.’
Marie’s story and the study association it relates to is merely an example to illustrate what can happen at borrels. Luckily, we have student organisations that help to raise awareness and help victims. A new team called You Own It––their website will launch soon––aims to make policy changes, like removing barriers that exist in reporting. To do so, they collect anonymous stories, like the one above, from students to emphasize the prevalence of this issue to the student body and the university administration. This organisation has been inspired by the #MeToo movement and aims for victims to take back their control. You Own It collaborates with professionals at SAFO Space, where victims can join support groups ‘to help students with various topics, including sexual harassment and assault.’
UvA also has other organisations that aim to handle the topic of sexual harassment but they have declined to be included in this article.
Marie’s name has been changed as our source wishes to remain anonymous, the real name and person is known by YOUvA Today.
Contacts of Machiavelli’s trust people:
Internal: Storm Brinkhuis and Jessica O’Connor
External: Star Siripanich