AJPH Highlights Rising Reports of Sexual Harassment in the United States

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National #MeToo surveys reveal persistent harassment despite rising awareness and reforms, underscoring the need for equitable protection and continued surveillance

The #MeToo movement gained global momentum in 2017, drawing attention to sexual harassment (SH) and its harms. More than 80 anti-sexual harassment bills subsequently passed across 25 US states, largely focusing on workplace harassment. Less is known about changes in people’s experiences of harassment.

In a recent study, Dr. Anita Raj from the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, and colleagues compared the 2018 and 2024 #MeToo National Surveys on Sexual Harassment and Assault. Their analysis examined changes in reports of past-year sexual harassment among US adults. The study was published online in the American Journal of Public Health on November 12, 2026.

Discussing the interpretation of the findings, Dr. Raj notes, “It is unclear if this is a true rise in incidents or improved recognition and disclosure.”

The researchers analyzed cross-sectional survey data from 5,293 adults, using weights to produce nationally representative estimates. The 2024 survey assessed verbal harassment, cyber harassment, dating coercion, physically aggressive harassment, and sexual assault across settings, including public spaces and workplaces. For 2018, the researchers classified past-year harassment using respondents’ reports of lifetime experiences and the timing of the most recent incident.

Reports of past-year sexual harassment increased from 10.7% in 2018 to 24.3% in 2024. Among men, the proportion rose from 6.7% to 15.2%; among women, it rose from 14.3% to 31.8%. Women reported higher prevalence in both years. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, the odds of reporting past-year harassment in 2024 were 2.80 times those in 2018.

The increase in odds was greater among respondents in the South than among those in other US regions. However, the change over time did not differ significantly between women and men.

The study relied on self-reported experiences and cannot establish causation. Differences between the surveys may also have influenced reporting: the 2024 survey separated cyber harassment in public and private online spaces, whereas the 2018 survey used a single item. 

Emphasizing the implications, Dr. Raj comments, “This study documents a significant increase in past-year SH reports since the #MeToo movement gained momentum. This may reflect greater awareness and willingness to report rather than an actual rise in incidents. Regardless, it underscores that SH remains pervasive, especially for women.”

Dr. Raj and colleagues call for policies that extend protections to public and online spaces and strengthen accountability. They also emphasize equitable protections and continued national surveillance to track change.

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About Tulane University

Tulane University is a private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Founded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana, it has developed into a comprehensive institution offering programs across disciplines including public health, medicine, science, law, and the humanities. Tulane is recognized for its commitment to research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. Through its academic programs and research initiatives, Tulane contributes to scientific discovery, professional training, and evidence-based approaches to improving health and well-being.

About Dr. Anita Raj from Tulane University

Dr. Anita Raj is Executive Director of the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University and the Nancy Reeves Dreux Endowed Chair and Professor at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. A developmental psychologist and public health researcher, she focuses on gender equity, sexual and reproductive health, maternal and adolescent health, and gender-based violence. Her research examines how gender inequalities affect health and development and informs evidence-based policies and interventions. 

Funding information

This work was funded by the Newcomb Institute, with additional funding support from Stop Street Harassment, Valor, Raliance, and private donations.