Experiencing bullying or other unwanted behavior? Here’s how the confidential advisor can help you

What if you experience bullying, discrimination, or sexual abuse at the university? Confidential advisors at Tilburg University provide a safe space to share your story. Confidential advisor Kristel van Oosterbosch explains: ‘We stand beside and behind the reporter. Everything happens in consultation, so reporters maintain control.‘

What does the role of a confidential advisor entail?

‘I am a confidential advisor for unwanted behavior, both for staff and students. This means that anyone who encounters boundary-crossing behavior, such as intimidation, bullying, discrimination, or sexual harassment, can come to me and other confidential advisors.

‘We support reporters, guide them, and ensure that a conversation is initiated about what has happened. Additionally, we provide both requested and unsolicited advice to the Executive Board and offer information sessions within the university, so people know they can come to us.’

How does the role of a confidential advisor differ from other support roles within the university, such as deans, psychologists, or an ombudsman?

‘We provide different assistance compared to these support roles. For example, student psychologists and student deans primarily focus on the individual support of students with mental health issues, study problems, or special circumstances.

‘An ombudsman is a neutral mediator who helps resolve conflicts involving students or staff and the university, especially when the usual channels do not lead to a resolution. They look at problems from both the reporter’s and the organization’s perspectives and can refer or mediate to find a solution.

‘In contrast, confidential advisors are there for people dealing with unsafe situations or boundary-crossing behavior, such as intimidation, bullying, or discrimination. We stand beside and behind the reporter and provide a listening ear. We also guide reporters by exploring together what steps may be possible, allowing them to carefully weigh which steps they want to take. The collaborative exploration of options is an important added value.’

You work with a whole team of confidential advisors. What does that team look like?

‘We currently have five internal confidential advisors and one external confidential advisor who specifically focus on unwanted behavior. Additionally, there is a confidential advisor for scientific integrity. All confidential advisors also hold other positions within the university; for example, I am also a career coach and trainer at Student Career Services. It’s important to know that we work independently.’

How does that work in practice? What happens when someone reports to you?

‘It usually starts with an email, after which we schedule an appointment together. Often, this is a face-to-face meeting on campus, but it can also be online. During the first conversation, it is up to the reporter to share what they wish. We discuss what has happened, who is involved, and whether unwanted behavior is involved.

‘It is important that the reporter maintains control over what happens with their report. Some people only need a listening ear, while others wish to take further steps, such as initiating a formal complaint process.’

Are you required to take action, for example, in serious reports like rape?

‘We do nothing without consulting the reporter. That is a very important principle. However, if there is a criminal offense such as rape, the police are the party that investigates that, not us. We can assist the reporter in seeking support, both within and outside the university. But again, everything happens in consultation with the reporter.’

What kinds of reports are most common?

‘In 2023, we had 56 reports of unwanted behavior, 17 work- and study-related issues, and about ten other reports. Unwanted behavior includes intimidation, discrimination, bullying, and stalking. However, each situation is different, and in some cases, issues overlap. For staff, it often concerns communication problems or conflicts with supervisors.’

Are the reports always related to the university, or can they also pertain to student life?

‘The university has recently taken responsibility for what happens outside the institution’s walls. For instance, investments have been made in training confidential contacts for study and student associations. These are fellow students or (former) members of associations who can be the first point of contact for reporters to share their stories.

‘For reporters, it is often easier to approach a confidential contact person first rather than directly contacting the university’s confidential advisors. The confidential contact person can, if necessary, refer the reporter to a university confidential advisor.’

How do you ensure that people dare to take the step to approach a confidential advisor, especially if they feel uncomfortable seeking help?

‘We now have a larger team, which gives us more room to be visible and further professionalize our work. For example, we recorded a video in August that was shown to all first-year students during the introduction week. Additionally, we are working on visibility within the university, such as through newsletters.

‘We are also currently exploring what digital reporting system can be added alongside the current procedures to allow for anonymous reporting.’

What do you hope to achieve in the long term with your work as a confidential advisor?

‘In the long term, I want to contribute to a profound cultural change within the university. Attention to social safety and the role of confidential advisors has grown recently, and we must maintain that momentum. The goal is for students and staff to know how to find us effortlessly when needed.

‘This means not only increasing the visibility of confidential advisors but also working on raising awareness around boundary-crossing behavior.

‘I would like to echo the words of the government commissioner for sexual boundary-crossing behavior and sexual violence, Mariëtte Hamer: it is crucial that young people learn how to set and respect boundaries, especially in light of the new Sexual Offenses Act, where consent plays a significant role.

‘Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, so it is essential that they carry this awareness into their future lives. Every step we take contributes to a safer and more inclusive climate where everyone feels heard and respected.’

The confidential advisors are there for everyone at Tilburg University. They are the point of contact for staff, students, and guests dealing with unwanted behavior, such as (sexual) intimidation, bullying, or discrimination. If you have questions or are unsure where to go with your story, please contact a confidential advisor.

_Advertentie.