Help with undesirable behaviour

Are you experiencing undesirable behaviour such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggression, violence or discrimination? Please don’t keep it to yourself. It’s important that you feel safe at the UvA. 

Are you unsure about what to do or find it daunting to take steps? You can always turn to someone for advice and questions about undesirable behaviour by fellow students, lecturers or other staff members, and about undesirable behaviour both at the UvA or outside of it.

Where to go for help

Lecturers and study advisers

• If you're experiencing undesirable behaviour during a lecture or tutorial, your lecturer is often your first point of contact.
• If you don't wish to talk to your lecturer, then contact your programme coordinator or study adviser.
• Your study adviser can also help if personal circumstances are affecting your studies.

Lecturers, programme coordinators and study advisers cannot always guarantee confidentiality. In unsafe situations, they are obliged to act.

Confidential adviser or Ombudsman

For a confidential conversation, you can contact:

• Confidential advisers – They offer a listening ear, think things through with you and support you in exploring possible next steps.
• Ombudsperson – For advice, mediation or investigation in the event of systemic problems or misconduct. The Ombudsperson is independent and impartial.

Student psychologist or GP

If you're experiencing mental health issues beause of undesirable behaviour, contact a student psychologist or a doctor at the UvA General Practitioners Practice.

Other options

• You can submit a formal complaint to the Complaints Committee. This is an official legal procedure. A confidential adviser can provide guidance and support throughout this process if you'd find this helpful.
• Do you suspect wrongdoing involving a breach of the law or a threat to the public interest, such as fraud or theft? If so, see the page whistleblowing (reporting misconduct)External link on uva.nl.

Undesirable behaviour outside the UvA

Even if the undesirable behaviour takes place outside the UvA, you can still talk with your study adviser or a confidential adviser.

Help outside the UvA

Are you looking for help or support outside the UvA? Here are some options:

• Your own family doctor or psychologist
• Sexual Assault CentreExternal link
• PoliceExternal link if a criminal offence has been committed
• Veilig ThuisExternal link for help with domestic violence
• JellinekExternal link if you have questions about substance use, prevention or addiction
• 113 suicide preventionExternal link
• OfflimitsExternal link, an anonymous helpline for anyone who has experienced upsetting behaviour online