What if we really talked about it?
Street harassment is something that many people experience, but is rarely talked about. Here you will find stories from people who have experienced it, insights from experts, and updates on what is being done to make public spaces safer.
What is the cause of sexual harassment?
A cause for such a complex issue isn’t easy to pinpoint. It’s shaped by an interplay of social, situational, and individual factors. There are clear, research-based explanations for sexually intimidating behavior that relate to our broader societal context. Think of gender roles, media, upbringing, and peer pressure. Below, I’ll explain these causes in detail so […]
Read moreKey concepts that shape how we view sexual harassment
In 2022, 1 in 8 people aged 16 or older in the Netherlands reported experiencing sexually transgressive behavior in the past twelve months. Among young women, over half (52%) said they had been subjected to sexual harassment in the previous year. Sexual harassment is a widespread issue, one that has existed for as long as […]
Read moreThe psychology behind street harassment: why do people actually do this?
Street harassment. It feels unsafe, uncomfortable, and often leaves you feeling powerless. What drives someone to do this? It’s tempting to think: “That person is just a jerk.” But street harassment is more than that. It’s the result of deeply rooted societal norms, power structures, and psychological processes. Time to uncover what’s underneath. Street harassment […]
Read moreWhat is street harassment?
Street harassment is a problem that occurs worldwide. Anyone can experience it. Unfortunately, women, girls, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are regularly harassed in public. They are, for example, verbally abused, subjected to sexually explicit comments, or followed on the street.
Read moreStreet harassment in numbers: the situation in the Netherlands
Street harassment is not an isolated incident, but a structural problem deeply rooted in our society. The numbers speak for themselves and show how widespread this issue is and how normalized this behavior has become. A confronting imageResearch by Plan International from 2023 reveals that no less than 83% of Dutch girls and young women […]
Read moreHow to deal with street harassment
In this blog, we’ll discuss the three most important stakeholders when it comes to street harassment (victims, bystanders, and perpetrators) and offer concrete tools for what each group can do. What can you do as a victim? Despite all precautions—turning on “Find My Friends,” calling someone when you get home, holding your bike keys in […]
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