The Gerrit Rietveld Academie takes action to ensure the student’s social safety. On 30 August 2022 the Gerrit Rietveld Academie signed the Amnesty manifesto 'Let's Talk About YES' against sexual violence. By doing so, the academy commits itself to taking measures to prevent sexual violence and to properly support victims. The Gerrit Rietveld Academie is the second art academy in The Netherlands to take this step.
Chair of the Executive Board Annelies van Eenennaam: "The Board of the Gerrit Rietveld Academie feels responsible for a safe learning environment. This means that undesirable behaviour must be prevented and that we want to create an open atmosphere in which negative experiences can be freely discussed and addressed. By signing this manifesto, we strive to do everything in our power to create a culture in which consent is the norm."
Prevention, support, policy
Amnesty International is calling on higher education institutions to commit to human rights by pledging to better protect their educational communities from sexual violence. The manifesto - which includes steps toward better prevention, support and policy - is a response to research commissioned by Amnesty International. This research shows that one in ten female students and one percent of men experience sexual violence during their time as students.
Action
The signing of the manifesto is only the beginning for the Gerrit Rietveld Academie. The academy is offering students and staff workshops by Our Bodies Our Voice to raise awareness about consent, and to learn how to act. The academy provides clear information about available aid online and via a poster campaign. And Amnesty will be organising a Let's Talk About YES action week together with students at the academy.
Manifesto
You can download the Amnesty manifesto (pdf) here
Report and complaint procedure
