Enlarge image
More than six in ten women and two in ten men have experienced sexually inappropriate behavior in their lives: from annoying sexual comments and unwanted touching to all kinds of forms of sex against their will (Rutgers, 2023). Recent figures show that more than 1.7 million people aged 16 or older will have experienced some form of sexually transgressive behavior in 2024 (CBS, WODC 2024). It happens everywhere: at school, at work, during sports, on the street, at home, online and in the pub. The impact is great. It can disrupt lives and affects families, friendships, families, relationships and careers.
Mariëlle Paul, State Secretary for Fundamental Education and Emancipation: “Hissing on the street, an unsolicited hand on your buttocks in the pub, a sexually suggestive comment in the gym. Unacceptable and so important that we address this. That starts with awareness and making it a topic of discussion. With this campaign from the action program against sexual misconduct and sexual violence, I am committed to this, together with Government Commissioner Mariëtte Hamer and my colleagues in the cabinet. Because everyone should feel safe everywhere.”
“Sexual misconduct can involve inappropriate messages, comments, touching, groping, but also assault or rape,” says Mariëtte Hamer, government commissioner for sexual misconduct and sexual violence. “Different shapes can merge into each other. It is often also about ingrained patterns in our interactions. We just started finding things that aren’t that at all. Anyone who is confronted with sexually transgressive behavior can feel very unsafe and start to doubt themselves. It affects who you are as a person.”
85% of society believes that we have started to look at sexual misconduct differently in recent years. This is evident from research by Ipsos I&O. Two in three Dutch people say that they themselves look at the subject differently. That indicates that a change is happening.
Cramping in interaction
It is good that there is still a lot of talk about sexual misconduct in the media. Although opinions are divided about how this should be done, according to research by Ipsos I&O. Part of society believes that sensational stories distract too much from the actual impact of sexual misconduct. 47% believe that behavior is too quickly labeled as sexually inappropriate. For some, this leads to uncertainty about what is and is not possible and tension in interactions, for fear of doing something wrong or being accused. Sometimes it even leads to skepticism towards reporters and victims who tell their stories.
We spoke to people about sexual misconduct. Peter: “Whether something is sexually transgressive is determined by the person it happens to. I want to respect that boundary, but sometimes it is difficult to determine where it is. A few years ago I sometimes said it to female colleagues if they looked nice. But I don’t dare make such a flirty comment anymore. Everything you see in the media has made me a lot more careful.”
A conversation about manners
Whether behavior crosses a line depends on several things. Such as the relationship between the two people, the environment or context in which something is said or happens, and the moment or manner in which. ‘Nice pants, suit your ass!’ can be very nice to hear from a friend you are shopping with, but it quickly feels unsafe if you are walking down the street alone and someone shouts this to you. By reflecting on how we interact with each other and talking about this, we can learn from each other’s experiences. And we gain insight into the impact of behavior on others. This is the first step to change conscious and unconscious behavior and break ingrained patterns. Because if you knew you were crossing someone’s boundary, would you still do it?
Hamer: “We do not intend to become completely tense in our interactions. It’s about being aware of other people’s wishes and boundaries and taking them into account. That we listen to each other and treat each other respectfully. In other words, we think about where it is fun for both.”
About the campaign
The central government’s campaign shows various behaviors from daily life. At the gym, in the nightlife, at work, online and on the street. Like ‘Do you want a drink? You have to come home.’ Or ‘Wow 100 squats! It gives you a nice ass. The campaign calls for you to reflect on your own behavior and that of the people in your immediate environment, asking the question: ‘What do you think? How much fun is it for both?’. The campaign can be seen on social media, digital screens and bus shelters on the street, in the catering industry, gyms and at NS stations. The campaign can also be heard on the radio. More information: metelkaartrekenwedegrens.nl.
*Source: Ipsos I&O (2024) Research into awareness of the problem of sexual misconduct
**Source: Rutgers (2023) Sexual Health Monitor
***Source: CBS, WODC (2024) Prevalence Monitor Domestic Violence and Sexual Offenses