Sexual transgressive behaviour and violence
What is it?
Sexual assault is a term used for any sexual act that a person must perform or endure in an unequal situation. Unequal means that the other person has more power, is stronger, is older or that you are dependent on them. Sexual violence can include sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse or online abuse.
The term sexual violence can be misleading. Because not every unpleasant sexual experience involves violence. Sexual abuse can also happen in an almost loving way, or a victim may cooperate in the abuse out of self-protection so that the perpetrator does not have to use violence. There are different ways sexual violence happens, with and without physical and verbal abuse. Sexual violence is said to occur when the sexual experience was against your will and/or, when there was a power relationship between you and the perpetrator. Sex between an adult and a child is always sexual abuse.
If you face family circumstances during your studies, this may affect your functioning and performance and your study progress. You may experience study delays as a result of your circumstances.
What can you do yourself?
If you have experienced an unpleasant sexual experience, you can contact the Center for Sexual Violence for help at 0800-0188. Preferably contact the Center for Sexual Violence within seven days. Within that time they can best help you. Have you been a victim of sex under duress for longer than seven days? Even then you may contact the Center for Sexual Violence.
What can you do?
If you have experienced sexual abuse, it may be difficult to talk about it. For example, because you feel guilty or ashamed. You may also be afraid of what will happen if you tell your story. Still, sharing can help.
It is important to talk to someone you trust. You can talk about it with your study programme (if there is a student coach or teacher you trust). Don't just stick around with it, there are several options within Fontys. Below we give you some options:
- If the situation is linked to the study programme, please contact the confidential advisor.
- We advise you to contact your GP if possible and the police if desired.
- You can contact the Sexual Assault Center (this can be done anonymously). They offer professional help to anyone who has experienced an unwanted sexual experience. Preferably contact them within seven days. Within that time, they can best help you. Have you been a victim of coerced sex for longer than seven days? Even then you may contact the Sexual Assault Center.
It is important to talk to someone you trust. Don't just stick around with it, there are several options within Fontys. Below we give you some options:
- If the situation is linked to the study programme, please contact the confidential advisor.
- We advise you to contact your GP if possible and the police if desired.
- You can contact the Sexual Assault Center (this can be done anonymously). They offer professional help to anyone who has experienced an unwanted sexual experience. Preferably contact them within seven days. Within that time, they can best help you. Have you been a victim of coerced sex for longer than seven days? Even then you may contact the Sexual Assault Center.
Consequences
Sexual violence is often a traumatic experience. You can suffer from trauma in a variety of ways. Consider reliving the event during flashbacks and/or nightmares. This can be very unpleasant and cause a lot of anxiety and stress/strain symptoms. In addition, you may start avoiding certain situations and thoughts to deal with your stress and anxiety. Concentration and irritability are also common complaints. Moreover, with multiple trauma, you may also develop an anxiety disorder or a negative self-image.
Self learning modules
Anxiety
If you often feel anxious or have experienced panic attacks, you're not alone. Taking action early is essential to prevent symptoms from worsening. One way to start addressing these issues is by engaging in a self-help module. This module helps reduce or prevent the escalation of symptoms by training you to understand and manage your anxiety and panic.
Go to anxiety and panic module
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Concentration & procrastination
Do you find yourself struggling to concentrate? Are you an expert procrastinator? This module is full of information, exercises, videos and useful tips to improve your concentration and master your procrastination!
Go to the self-learning module
Sadness
Although no one is happy all day every day, you should not feel sad all the time either. This module can help if you want to do something about your sadness. You can get a grip on your mood by working on your thoughts, anxieties, lifestyle and relaxation. The module also contains useful tips to prevent your sadness from coming back.
Go to the self-learning module
Loneliness
Do you sometimes feel alone? You are not the only one. In our country, many people suffer from loneliness. It is important to take action, for instance by following this module. With the module, you learn to understand and reduce your feelings. In the units, you work on topics related to loneliness. This is how you take the first step in breaking through loneliness.
Go to the self-learning module
Self-image
If you ever criticise yourself or doubt your self-worth, you may have a negative self-image. This module can help you improve your self-image. You will take a closer look at your self-image and how it affects your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Step by step, you will learn to become a more positive person and be less hard on yourself.
Go to the self-learning module
Contact team Student Guidance
- If your family circumstances are an actual impedement on your study progress, please book in an appointment with a student counsellor
- If you want to talk to someone about your negative sexual experience and/or want trauma therapy, make an appointment with your GP or a student psychologist.