KU Leuven launches contact point for sexual intimidation
The University of Leuven has implemented a central contact point for students and staff to report sexual harassment and other unwanted behaviour
Similar initiatives in other universities
KU Leuven already provided help in the case of unwanted behaviour but is now simplifying and professionalising its assistance. The new service will make specially trained counsellors available to students and staff with complaints or questions.
Students and staff can report sexual harassment or intimidation, verbal or physical aggression and bullying. The counsellors will be trained to handle cases themselves if possible or to bring in an internal care team or external aid providers, like the police or victim support.
Cathelijn Kames, an expert in the study of human sexuality at KU Leuven, stated in her master’s thesis last year that 12 to 20% of students are confronted with sexually oriented behaviour by lecturers, both subtle and explicit. A KU Leuven report has indicated that about 1.6% of its staff is “occasionally” the victim of undesirable sexual behaviour, mostly from colleagues.
Both Ghent University and the Free University of Brussels (VUB) are developing similar initiatives.
Photo: Rob Stevens/KU Leuven
