Last week, Dans Veilig attended the national conference for the Dutch National Action Programme on tackling sexual transgressive behavior and sexual violence, held in Amersfoort. The sunny setting reflected a growing movement receiving increasing recognition and support. Yet, much remains to be done. We must continue to confront discomfort, challenge gender norms, and empower bystanders. Only then is sustainable cultural change possible.
Powerful Opening Sets the Tone
The opening performance Psst… hé schatje set a confronting and emotional tone, vividly showing the impact of sexual intimidation and harassment. It powerfully exposed how uncomfortable it can be to witness sexual transgressive behavior as a bystander—and how crucial it is not to look away, but to stand up and act.
In Dialogue About the National Action Programme
Moderator Minchenu Maduro continued the day with a conversation with Government Commissioner Mariëtte Hamer. Since her appointment in 2022, Hamer has played a leading role in promoting societal dialogue about sexual transgressive behavior and urging organizations to take action. She briefly reflected on the progress made so far and emphasized how alive the issue is: more and more people are joining the movement that promotes recognition, awareness, and change.
According to Hamer, transgressive behavior occurs in many places, especially where informal power dynamics are present. That’s why organizations must identify these risks and take responsibility for fostering a safe culture. It is essential to keep the dialogue going—about behavior, relationships, and deeply rooted societal norms. This applies not only in the workplace but also in schools, care facilities, and beyond.
“For a long time, sexual transgressive behavior was mainly seen as a women’s issue. Women had to become more resilient. Gradually, we’re realizing this is not a women’s or men’s problem—it’s a societal problem.”
– Mariëtte Hamer
From Experience to Impact
Survivors shared their stories, giving a voice to everyone who has experienced sexual transgressive behavior. Their testimonies made palpable how isolating it can be when shame, doubt, and silence are fueled by societal ignorance and entrenched thought patterns. At the same time, they also showed strength—in reclaiming control and in calling on people to keep seeing others as humans rather than case files.
“Even as a bystander, you have a role: doing nothing is the worst option.
Learn to stand up, even if it’s with something small like a simple ‘Are you okay?’”
– Kes Blans
Breakout Sessions Clarify the Societal Task
The afternoon programme centered on the broader societal conversation. State Secretaries Mariëlle Paul and Jurgen Nobel shared their views on prevention. Paul emphasized the importance of taking young people seriously—especially before judging what they think or share. The revision of the curriculum for relationship and sexual education aims to help them recognize and respect boundaries. Nobel spoke about employers’ responsibility and the importance of a safe workplace culture.
Zaire Krieger closed the day with a spoken word performance that honored the urgency of the issue. With powerful words, she exposed the deep-rooted societal patterns that enable sexual transgressive behavior. Her performance moved the audience by not only naming the pain but also issuing a strong call to action: let’s give the new generation better than what they inherit today.
Watch Out for Each Other, Learn from Each Other, Treat Each Other Well
Mariëtte Hamer closed the conference with reflections on what lies ahead for society. Sexual transgressive behavior is not a women’s issue, nor an individual issue—it’s a societal issue. Recognizing that it doesn’t only happen to women is crucial. The stories of male victims, often overlooked and not always taken seriously, highlight the importance of making space for all voices.
What remains is the collective task that begins with daring to listen, continuing to see one another, and refusing to look away. We must keep building a society where everyone feels safe, so that in ten years’ time we can say: this is no longer structural, but an exception.
Watch Out for Each Other, Learn from Each Other, Treat Each Other Well
Mariëtte Hamer closed the conference with reflections on what lies ahead for society. Sexual transgressive behavior is not a women’s problem, nor an individual problem—it is a societal problem. The recognition that this does not only happen to women is essential. The stories of male victims, often overlooked and not always taken seriously, emphasize how important it is to make room for all voices.
What remains is the collective responsibility that starts with daring to listen, continuing to see each other, and refusing to look away. We must continue building a society where everyone can feel safe, so that in ten years we can say: this is no longer structural, but an exception.
