‘Better communication, more enjoyable sex.’ Tilburg students prepared for a respectful sex life
Tilburg students are starting the academic year with more than just beer and books: in the ‘consent tent,’ they learn that good sex starts with a clear ‘yes.’ ‘If you’re unsure whether the other person truly wants it, it’s better not to do it.’
By hanging a lock on the consent tent during the TOP Market, students are showing their support for the new Sexual Offenses Act. ‘It’s important because a lot has changed,’ says Ingrid Coenradie, State Secretary for Justice and Security, who visited the Tilburg campus on Tuesday afternoon.
As of July 1, 2024, street harassment is a criminal offense, and there is no longer a statute of limitations for rape. Additionally, the law now mandates that people must give consent if they are engaging in sexual activity, even if drugs or alcohol are involved.
No excuses
‘We want to prevent situations where someone realizes afterward that they didn’t actually want sex but couldn’t say ‘no’ at the time. If you’re unsure whether the other person really wants it, it’s better not to proceed,’ Coenradie explains. First-year sociology student Rens Gerritse agrees, saying, ‘Alcohol or drug use is no excuse to hide behind.’
Victims of sexual violence who file complaints often face delays due to backlogs in the police and judicial systems. Staff shortages cause cases to languish. Nevertheless, Coenradie urges victims to report: ‘If more complaints are filed, it sends a clear signal. It means we need to act to turn these reports into concrete actions and prosecute the offenders.’
TOP week
Third-year public administration student Yasin Mandour also supports the presence of the consent tent at the TOP Market. As a ‘TOP Dad,’ he is overseeing a group of new students this week.
Before the introduction week, he and other guides were briefed on inappropriate behavior. ‘We received a short course on how to recognize inappropriate behavior and what to do if it occurs.’
Mandour had the honor of hanging a lock on the tent alongside the state secretary. When asked how he personally handles the legal changes, he replies, ‘I’ve become more cautious and ask for consent.’
Is sex still enjoyable?
But how enjoyable is sex if you have to constantly ask each other questions? According to Nera Jerkovic, coordinator of the Center for Sexual Violence, there’s no need to worry: ‘The better you communicate, the more enjoyable sex becomes.’
She suggests it’s time to break the taboo and talk more about sex: ‘Then you’ll know what your partner likes, and you can express what you enjoy. My advice: don’t be afraid, have sex often, and keep asking questions!’
Advertentie.
