Quarter of Dutch think women in sexy clothes should not complain about sexual harassment: survey

A quarter of Dutch believe that if a woman dresses sexy, she should not complain when she hears sexual comments, according to a survey by research firm Ipsos on behalf of Rutgers, a knowledge center on sexuality. And 13 percent believe that girls who wear short skirts should not complain when they are harassed, AD reports. 

The survey was done among a representative group of one thousand Dutch. It also found that one in five men believe sexual harassment is "over exaggerated". And 38 percent of women had catcalls, whistles or sexual remarks shouted at them on the streets. Among young women aged 18 to 30 years, half had a stranger yelling at them that they look good.

Rutgers calls the figures alarming. "This exposes a double standard in society", director Ton Coenen said to the newspaper. According to him, girls and women are still often faced with the 'short skirts argument'. "That is a little hypocritical. We think that it can not be allowed, but when you ask you hear: 'it really can't be allowed, but still...'"

Rutgers calls on politicians to produce a "social cultural change". The organization is therefore signing an election agreement with the PvdA, SP, D66, GroenLinks, 50Plus and PvdD to achieve this change. In such an agreement in election time, the political parties sign their commitment to certain matters when forming a government. This agreement is called 'Hands off!' and states, among other things, that schools will pay more attention to sex education and setting boundaries, and that teachers will be trained to give this information. The parties will also ensure that the next government will reduce unacceptable sexual behavior.

The VVD decided at the last minute not to sign the agreement. A spokesperson told AD that it is because the VVD does not agree with all the measures in the agreement, though he was not specific about what the party finds disagreeable. Christian parties CDA, ChristenUnie and SGP also refused to sign. The PVV and DENK were unresponsive. 

Earlier this year the PvdA already submitted a bill to make sexual harassment on the street a punishable offense.