67% of young women in Netherlands face sexual harassment on street

By Selman Aksunger

AMSTERDAM (AA) – At least two-thirds of young women in the Netherlands are subjected to "sexual harassment" on the street, the country's statistics institute announced on Wednesday.

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) released the findings of a survey of young men and women aged 12 to 25 in the country about "sexual harassment."

The study, which included data from February 2020 to April 2021, showed that 67% of young women were subjected to "sexual harassment" on the streets, while the men's ratio was one-third.

It was revealed that half of the young women participating in the study were abused by whistling, and 40% were victimized by phone calls, talking and shouting.

According to CBS, 21% of the women were followed by their abusers, and 85% of those who were followed stated that they did not feel safe.

The sexual harassment rate among young women aged 18-21 was 75%, while 70% of girls aged 14-18 reported being sexually assaulted at least once during the study period.

It was stated that in cases of sexual harassment, the victims mostly ignored the situation by not reacting.

On Saturday, a demonstration was organized against sexual harassment and abuse incidents in the country with the competition program The Voice of Holland. The Dutch government was asked to make legal changes that protect women in business life.

*Writing by Merve Berker