In the Netherlands, nearly half of young women regularly avoid areas in their own neighbourhoods they perceive as unsafe, reflecting a broader trend of heightened caution among women across all age groups.
Among women aged 15 to 25, 45% say they take detours to steer clear of risky places—more than twice the percentage of men in the same age group (21.5%). This pattern continues among women aged 25 to 65, with about one-third reporting similar behavior, while men in this age range remain around 19%.
The primary driver behind these precautions is fear of becoming a victim of crime. Women not only take steps to protect themselves on the street, but also at home. For instance, 70% of women over 65 say they avoid opening the door in the evening, a habit shared by 55 to 63% of younger women. In contrast, only about a third of men report the same level of caution.
People living alone—regardless of gender—tend to be more cautious than those living with a partner. Still, women consistently report greater concern for their safety across all age and household categories.
