Men's Responsibility for Women's Unsafe Feelings on the Street

A recent report by the independent think tank HCSS paints a stark picture of street safety in the Netherlands, revealing that a quarter of Dutch women, a staggering one in four, regularly feel unsafe in public spaces. This pervasive sense of insecurity is particularly acute among young women aged 18 to 34, who report feeling unsafe both on the street and online at rates 1.5 times higher than the average woman. Three-quarters of this demographic experience frequent unease due to sexist remarks, leering, and unwanted advances in public transport, hospitality venues, and on the streets.

The research also sheds light on a significant gender divide in perceived responsibility. While men largely deny personal responsibility for making women feel unsafe, they readily blame 'other men' for the problem. Alarmingly, more than half of men surveyed believe that sexist jokes "should be allowed." This suggests a societal disconnect where the burden of ensuring safety falls disproportionately on women, who are forced to remain constantly vigilant. The report notes that conservative views on women's roles may contribute to both the occurrence of unwanted behavior and its societal acceptance.

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Een vrouw moet naar haar gevoel altijd alert zijn om zichzelf veilig te houden.

In response to this environment, women employ a range of precautionary measures. Three out of five women inform someone about their safe arrival home, opt for better-lit routes, or avoid going out altogether. Many also adjust their attire, choosing to dress less provocatively. In contrast, a third of men report taking no safety precautions whatsoever, compared to fewer than one in ten women. The study challenges the academic assumption that insecurity is primarily a concern for white, middle-class women, indicating that women from non-European backgrounds also frequently implement safety measures.

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moet kunnen