As a result of #MeToo, the realization that sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a major social problem has penetrated the Netherlands as well. Yet that awareness did not go hand in hand with a structural approach to sexual harassment, especially in terms of prevention. Prevention of sexual harassment requires a thorough approach, focused on different levels: the individual, the individual’s environment and the culture in a broad sense. This article discusses what preventive measures are needed in the Netherlands, and what led to the creation of a national action plan on sexual harassment and violence.

The impact of the #MeToo movement appears to be mostly positive. As important as it is that attention is paid to sexually transgressive behavior – in whatever context – (the impact of) the #MeToo movement also has its dark sides. This article focuses on the question: What are the downsides of #MeToo? The authors discuss a number of issues that were encountered in their research practice. They discuss (a) uncertainty regarding the (limits of a) violation of standards, (b) misleading or false reports, (c) anonymous reports and hearsay statements and (d) ‘guilty by association’ or ‘trial by media’. It should always be clear whether it concerns facts or, for example, experiences and perceptions. The interests of the accused must not be compromised by unclear standards or neglecting a careful investigative process. The authors argue for clear research questions that support the research and allow sufficient room for both sides to be heard with as little bias as possible. For the victims, care must be taken against double victimization and victim-blaming.

#MeToo makes sexually transgressive behavior come to light earlier. It is important that subsequent assessment and adjudication of the behavior is done carefully and as objectively as possible. For some sexual offenders with few risk factors, the public tap on the fingers may be enough to never again engage in repeated sexual offense behavior. However, publicity and public condemnation as a result of #MeToo can also be damaging, because they increase social isolation, loneliness and stress. As a result, offenders can recidivate with sexual offense behavior sooner, making society less safe. When a sexual offender is convicted, structured risk assessment should guide the decision if forensic treatment is desirable to reduce the risk of recidivism. This treatment should be risk-oriented: focussed on reducing risk factors that are relevant to the offending behavior. This is the best way to guarantee safety in society.

In October 2017, #MeToo went viral on social media. #MeToo has been found to have positive as well as negative effects. One negative effect is the ethical problem of e-shaming. This article investigates through a mixed-method approach what the extent and perception is on e-shaming during #MeToo in the Netherlands. Results show that e-shaming is very rare and that Dutch society has little interest in the topic and will not participate in e-shaming. This implies that e-shaming in the Netherlands is still problematic on an ethical level, but the extent and consequences of e-shaming are very limited.

The meaning of #MeToo for the criminal justice system is diverse. One is the reconfirmation that sexual offences also take place in situations of inequality in working relationships. This raises the question how the new Dutch Sexual Offences Bill deals with abuse of power in these situations. In answering this question, this article discusses the Istanbul Convention and the proposed new crime(s) of sexual assault under Dutch law. In particular, it focusses on issues of intent and guilt, and shows that the difference between intent and guilt has become quite vague.

Mariëtte Hamer and Janine Janssen have a conversation about sexually transgressive behavior and violence. Both women are, as government commissioner and researcher respectively, strongly involved with this theme. Hamer and Janssen discuss how they view the #MeToo movement, what the limits are on transgressive behavior, and what should happen for tackling sexually transgressive behavior and violence and preventing these in the future. Because limits on behavior are not always crystal clear and can differ from one person to the other, it is of importance to continuously talk about them. Offenders and those accused of transgressive behavior should not be forgotten in these conversations. At the moment, much attention is given to tackling and preventing sexually transgressive behavior and violence, but many things need to happen still, and they need continuous attention, as Hamer and Janssen bring forward.