Message to Fellows and Their Families

Dear Fellows and Parents,

We have listened to the experiences shared by young people who have described their time with us as painful, confusing or harmful.

We are deeply saddened by these accounts.

There are a few things we want to make absolutely clear.

• Sexual abuse is never the victim's fault.
• Bullying, humiliation and degrading treatment are unacceptable and have no place in healthcare.

If that is not how you experienced your time with us, we are truly sorry.

We also recognise that treatment can be experienced differently by different young people. While treatment is intended to help young people move forward, everyone should feel safe, respected and taken seriously throughout that process. If you did not feel that way, we understand that this may have had a lasting impact. Those experiences matter, and they matter to us.

We want to say this to you without qualification or justification. These experiences deserve to be acknowledged.

To every fellow who has had such an experience, and to their parents: we want you to know that we are listening. If you would like to speak with us about your experience, we would very much welcome that conversation.

On behalf of Yes We Can (Youth) Clinics,

Derek van Enk
Harm Burgers
Joris Vangeneugden
Piet Jansen

Board of directors