telegraaf.nl
Netherlands Criminalizes Street Harassment: 75% of Young Women Report Sexual Harassment
In the Netherlands, street harassment became a crime on July 1st, 2024. Despite 20 convictions so far, 75% of women under 35 report experiencing public sexual harassment, with many feeling unsafe at night (64%) and in the evening (55%), while few report incidents to police.
- Why do so many victims of street harassment not report these incidents to authorities, and what are the societal implications of underreporting?
- Despite legal consequences, a recent EenVandaag survey of nearly 2,000 women under 35 reveals that 75% experienced public sexual harassment, including being whistled at (60%), receiving lewd comments (46%), and being leered at (45%). A significant 33% were followed, and 25% were assaulted.
- What are the immediate consequences of the criminalization of street harassment in the Netherlands, and how significant is the impact on women's safety?
- Since July 1st, 2024, street harassment is a crime in the Netherlands. Undercover officers have made 20 arrests in major cities like Arnhem, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, leading to convictions with potential penalties of up to three months imprisonment or a €10,000 fine.
- What long-term strategies are necessary to effectively combat street harassment in the Netherlands, considering the high prevalence and the factors contributing to underreporting?
- The pervasive nature of street harassment, as evidenced by the high percentage of women who feel unsafe at night (64%) and evening (55%), highlights the urgent need for comprehensive preventative measures and robust enforcement. The fact that many victims don't report incidents due to perceived insufficient evidence or severity underscores the challenge in addressing this issue effectively.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's headline and opening sentences immediately establish the severity and prevalence of street harassment. While accurately reflecting the statistics, this framing could disproportionately emphasize the negative aspects and increase anxiety among women. The inclusion of personal anecdotes further reinforces this negative tone.
Language Bias
While the article uses neutral language to report statistics, the use of phrases like "nare opmerking" (nasty remark) and the inclusion of personal accounts conveying fear and vulnerability contribute to a generally negative and alarming tone. More neutral language could be used in some instances to reduce emotional impact without losing impact.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of women, but omits the perspectives of men who may not engage in street harassment, or who may actively challenge it. The lack of male perspectives could inadvertently reinforce a stereotype that all men are perpetrators.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that street harassment is solely a "men's problem." While the data shows a disproportionate number of perpetrators are male, reducing the issue to a simple male-versus-female conflict overlooks other potential contributing factors like societal norms and power imbalances.
Gender Bias
The article predominantly focuses on the experiences of women, providing numerous statistics and personal accounts of female victims. While this is important, the lack of balanced representation and discussion of male perpetrators beyond the general statement of it being a 'men's problem' could reinforce gender stereotypes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the criminalization of street harassment in the Netherlands, aiming to improve women's safety and address gender inequality. The data presented shows the pervasiveness of the issue and the impact on women's sense of safety. While the number of convictions is relatively low, the legal framework represents progress toward protecting women from gender-based violence and harassment, thereby contributing to gender equality.