Prevalence and Reporting of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault at Live Music Events in the USA

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Background Sexual misconduct (SM), which encompasses sexual harassment and assault, is a significant public health issue with myriad short- and longer-term adverse impacts. Data from Europe, Australia and Africa suggest that SM is endemic to live music events. However, few have examined the prevalence of SM at live music events in the USA.

Methods We surveyed US adults who attended at least one live music event in the previous year using an online questionnaire to examine the prevalence and reporting of SM at live music events. Respondents (n=1091) were recruited through digital channels of non-profit and industry partners who regularly engage with US concertgoers.

Results About half (51%) of respondents identified as women; most were aged 30–49 years (66%) and attended live music often/very often (67%). Most respondents (61%) reported experiencing SM at a live music event during their lifetime. A greater proportion of women (82%) than men (39%) reported experiencing sexual harassment and/or sexual assault. Most respondents (88%) did not report their SM incidents to the music venue where the incident occurred. Common barriers to reporting were identified, many of which were related to music venue environments in which the incidents occurred.

Conclusions SM is prevalent at live music events in the USA, with women disproportionately affected. Reporting of SM incidents at music venues is limited, but barriers can be overcome. Comprehensive interventions are necessary to raise awareness of SM, reduce its occurrence and support reporting at live music events. Future research should investigate the policies and procedures of US music venues regarding SM prevention, communication, training and response.

Comments

Online First September 22, 2025

DOI

10.1136/ip-2025-045809

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