Selini Roozen-Vlachos
Speaker June 5, 2026: S. (Selini) Vlachos & R. (Rita) Dieleman
Title lecture: Guarding respectful barriers in health care
About Selini Roozen-Vlachos
Selini Roozen-Vlachos is deskundige op het gebied van seksueel grensoverschrijdend gedrag binnen afhankelijkheids- en zorgrelaties. Zij werkt als inspecteur bij de Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ), waar zij een afdelingsoverstijgend team rondom dit thema leidde.
Binnen de IGJ was zij als coördinator betrokken bij de ontwikkeling van een meer preventieve toezichtaanpak op seksueel grensoverschrijdend gedrag in de zorg.Daarnaast maakte Roozen-Vlachos deel uit van het kernteam van zorgprofessionals, bestuurders en beleidsmakers dat bijdroeg aan de totstandkoming van het zorgmanifest van de Regeringscommissaris Seksueel grensoverschrijdend gedrag en seksueel geweld en is medeauteur van het boek #MeToo in de zorgrelatie.
Abstract
The theme of Transgenerational Resilience is closely connected to the broader social movement for the emancipation and equality of women and men. The Zorgmanifest (Health Care Manifesto) of the Regeringscommissaris seksueel grensoverschrijdend gedrag en seksueel geweld (Government Commissioner on Sexual Transgressive Behaviour and Sexual Violence) advocates for a health care culture grounded in safety, respect, and restoration, while also exposing how deeply the ‘ruts of patriarchy’ are ingrained in both healthcare and society at large. The medical world has historically been shaped by male power structures, forcing many female professionals to adopt a “one of the guys” attitude in order to survive within patriarchal systems. This dynamic influences not only workplace culture but also the care relationship itself: those in power determine what is seen, heard, and acknowledged. The growing attention to sexual misconduct marks the next step in the ongoing struggle for gender equality—not only at an individual but also at an institutional level. It brings to light transgenerational trauma among women, both in experiences of sexual violence and in the long-standing institutional adaptation to the expectations of men in positions of power. This is significant, as such dynamics have eroded trust in relationships and institutions at a fundamental level, manifesting in silence around sexual misconduct. Transgenerational resilience, therefore, entails the restoration of trust, the breaking of internalised patterns of compliance and silence, and the building of care teams that embody safety and equality—where power imbalances can be openly discussed. Only in a care environment where professionals themselves feel safe and respected can patients also safely surrender to care that truly heals, protects, and empowers.
