Together, we make street harassment visible and open for discussion.
of Dutch girls (ages 16–27) experience unwanted sexual behavior in public spaces (Plan International, 2023).
of them limit their freedom of movement as a result; they avoid public transport, sports clubs, hobbies, school, or work.
file a police report after an unwanted sexual experience.
Street harassment doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it arises in a society where skewed norms are allowed to persist. Here are four reasons why street harassment exists:
Gender Roles
Street harassment isn’t random: it’s rooted in how we think about men, women, and power. Those who don’t fit the traditional mold are harassed more often. Sexual harassment is often a way to express and enforce power.
Media
What we see in the media influences what we consider to benormal. Women and LGBTQIA+ people are frequently portrayed as objects of desire, reinforcing the idea that harassment is acceptable. But media can also be a force for change when it offers different, respectful representations.
Upbringing
A lack of sexual education and attention to personal boundaries increases the risk of inappropriate behavior. When young people don’t learn about respect at home, they turn to the street, media, or peers to define what’s (in)appropriate. Parents play a key role in teaching respect and reciprocity.
Peer pressure
Group dynamics, especially among young people, are often about fitting in. In some groups, street harassment is seen as a way to gain status, a way to “prove” masculinity. Group behavior and peer pressure also play a big role.
By reporting an incident of street harassment, whether you experienced it or witnessed it, you directly help make the issue more visible.
What happens to your report?
Your report provides us with valuable information that allows us, together with your municipality, to create real change and improve safety measures. Reports from this platform have already helped with:
Identifying and analyzing hotspots, leading to increased law enforcement presence.
Extending surveillance camera monitoring at specific locations. Initiating discussions with local partners, including bars and restaurants, to raise awareness about this issue.
Who’s behind this platform?
This platform was created by BO Diversity on behalf of your municipality. BO Diversity works toward a society in which gender equality has been achieved. We do this by focusing on topics such as gender diversity, sexual freedom, women’s emancipation, and street harassment. Want to know more about BO Diversity?
BO Diversity