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What is transgressive behaviour?

Transgressive behaviour is any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe. Whether physical or psychological. For example, (cyber) bullying, sexual assault, unwanted sexual behaviour, aggression or abuse of power. 

Sometimes transgressive behaviour is very obvious, such as rape or physical violence. But often it’s subtle, recurring behaviour, and you only feel afterwards that someone crossed your boundaries.

My cousin is humiliated and sometimes even beaten by his coach in the gym club. He's not the only one subject to it.

Transgressive behaviour

  • Physical or psychological violence: someone attacks you, hurts you in some other way or threatens to. Or someone coerces you to do something you don’t want to, and uses power in this regard which you don’t have. For example, a manager or coach, or someone in a position of authority.

  • Unwanted sexual behaviour: for example, someone makes sexual comments, coerces you to engage in sexual activities, touches you inappropriately or asks you to send explicit photos or videos.

  • Bullying and harassment: someone makes hurtful comments, spreads hurtful or offensive information, or pressures you to do something you don’t want to do. Stalking and blackmail are also forms of harassment.

Bullying and harassment: someone makes hurtful comments, spreads hurtful or offensive information, or pressures you to do something you don’t want to do. Stalking and blackmail are also forms of harassment.

I am a student who wants to start a doctorate. My supervisor won't give me a research assignment if I don't go to his house, and he hints about getting "something in return" for the assignment. I really don't want to go to his house, but I also don't want to lose my chance at a doctorate.

Report transgressive behaviour

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