Justice State Sec. moves parliament to silcence with personal account of sexual assault

State Secretary Ingrid Coenradie of Justice and Security made an impression in parliament by telling how she was sexually assaulted as a teenager. Parliamentarians fell silent and thanked Coenradie for her exceptional outpouring.

The 36-year-old Coenradie is responsible for combating sex crimes, femicide, and other violence against women. At the start of the important debate on the Ministry of Justice and Security’s budget, she described the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl and the scars it left behind. She also spoke about the second time it happened a few years later. About the loneliness and powerlessness and the shame that girl felt. “This is not just a story: this is my story. This girl was me,” she concluded.

The PVV State Secretary said she had “hesitated” about telling her story, even though she had done so in interviews before. After all, policy and laws are central in the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament. But personal stories also need to be heard, she concluded, so as not to forget that parliamentary work is ultimately about people.

MPs from the coalition and opposition praised Coenradie’s bravery and called her eminently suited for her task, especially as an expert by experience. “For victims, it is very important that someone with empathy and decisiveness is at the helm,” said D66 parliamentarian Hanneke van der Werf.

“With your vulnerability, you show your strength,” said CDA MP Derk Boswijk, who expressed “every confidence” in Coenradie.

“The right person in the right place,” NSC parliamentarian Faith Bruyning said.

With her personal words, Coenradie showed her great motivation for her task, the Tweede Kamer president noted.