Amsterdam is generally a manageable city to live in, but safety is not experienced equally by everyone. Official figures show that crime, street harassment and feelings of insecurity remain important concerns, particularly for women and younger residents.
Who feels less safe in Amsterdam?
According to Amsterdam’s 2025 safety report, recorded crime fell slightly between 2024 and 2025, while self-reported victimization and feelings of insecurity increased. In a 2024 city survey published in 2025, 45% of respondents said they had experienced street harassment in the previous 12 months, up from 42% in 2022. Among women aged 15–34, the figure reached 72%. Young women are particularly likely to experience unwanted comments, catcalling and sexual harassment in public spaces.
Women also adapt their behavior to feel safer. Amsterdam’s Emancipation Monitor 2025, published in March 2026, found that 48% of women sometimes walk or travel a different route in their neighborhood to avoid places they consider unsafe, compared with 32% of men. LGBTQIA+ residents also report relatively high levels of street harassment and may face additional risks of discrimination.
The Men’s March in Amsterdam
On 10 October 2026, the Men’s March took place from Dam Square to Museumplein. The initiative called on men to take visible responsibility for helping create a world free from violence, intimidation and sexual harassment. Its message was that women’s safety is not solely women’s responsibility: men also have a role in challenging disrespectful behavior and changing social norms. According to AT5, around 200 men marched from Dam Square to Museumplein, calling on men to challenge inappropriate behavior and actively contribute to a safer society.
What is the City of Amsterdam doing?
Amsterdam launched its program against sexual intimidation and sexual violence in 2020. The approach focuses on tackling harassment both in public spaces and online. The city also monitors safety through surveys and works with local partners to address unsafe situations and support residents.
In addition, the City of Amsterdam runs campaigns such as ‘Man, zeg er wat van’, ‘Man, speak up’, organizes discussions with men and boys, and provides prevention training, victim support and guidance for professionals. Residents can report sexual harassment in public spaces, helping the city identify locations where measures such as improved lighting or increased surveillance may be needed.
Conclusion: Amsterdam is not equally safe for everyone
The figures show that young women and LGBTQIA+ residents are more likely to experience harassment and intimidation. The Men’s March highlights that improving safety requires more than policies and law enforcement. It also depends on men speaking out against inappropriate behavior and helping to change social norms.
