Physician Leadership Journal
Prevalence and Incidence of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is underreported, yet data shows a high prevalence, especially among women. In healthcare, nurses and female medical students face significant harassment, with many incidents going unreported due to fear of retaliation. Effective interventions and safe reporting environments are crucial to reducing these behaviors.
May/June 2025 Vol. 12, No. 3 pp. 41–43 DOI: 10.55834/plj.3852125861
Abstract
Accurately measuring the prevalence and incidence of sexual misconduct and harassment is challenging because of underreporting. Despite this, data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and various surveys reveal a persistently high incidence of sexual harassment, particularly targeting women. Between 2018 and 2021, 78% of sexual harassment charges were filed by women. Although the number of charges has generally declined since the late 1990s, a brief increase occurred during the #MeToo movement from 2017 to 2020. In healthcare, nurses and female medical students experience high rates of harassment, with many incidents going unreported. Barriers to reporting, such as fear of retaliation, remain significant. Effective interventions and the creation of safe reporting environments are essential to reducing the prevalence of these behaviors.
