State Secretary reports modest gains in recognition of sexual boundary-crossing

State Secretary for Education and Emancipation Judith Tielen observes a modest improvement in the extent to which people recognize sexually transgressive behavior. The same holds for the sense of urgency surrounding the issue, as well as workplace experience and the manner in which individuals respond when confronted with such cases.

Research conducted this year for the National Action Programme on Tackling Sexually Transgressive Behaviour and Sexual Violence (NAP) surveyed 2,372 people on the programme’s impact. “The figures demonstrate that a shift toward greater awareness has begun in recent years. This is encouraging news and reinforces our conviction that sustained attention and a determined approach to preventing sexually transgressive behavior are of real value,” the state secretary said.

“We will therefore continue, among other things, with the effective public campaign and will incorporate the findings of the monitoring exercise into the development of policy for addressing violence against women,” Tielen wrote.

Familiarity with sexually transgressive behavior is high, the research shows. Nearly all Dutch respondents recognize explicit forms such as unwanted sexual penetration, as well as touching. Kissing someone against their will, unsolicited sexual messages, and image-based blackmail are likewise regarded as boundary-crossing by more than 95 percent of those surveyed.

Awareness has increased since 2023: more people now view such behavior as a major problem (65 percent versus 57 percent) and favor a tougher response (75 percent versus 68 percent). Two-thirds also see a role for themselves in addressing the issue. Notably, men report this more frequently than women (68 percent versus 63 percent). Fewer people now place responsibility primarily with victims (36 percent versus 49 percent in 2023).

The research further indicates that sexually transgressive behavior is discussed with growing frequency among colleagues, managers, and human resources staff. Agreements on desired and undesired conduct are also being formalized more often. Employees report tangible benefits: they find it easier to take action and to set boundaries.