priorities
-
We are working to reform sexual harassment laws state by state to better protect workers. Our public policy goals make preventing and addressing sexual harassment more effective, more just and more accessible. Our lobbying efforts and coordianted campaigns build power and change laws.
-
Our research is shining a light on the pervasive and systemic problem of sexual harassment, and the public policy solutions states should be advancing to address it.
-
Speaking truth to power should not be the burden of survivors alone. NWDL prioritizes survivor support, leadership, perspectives, and community, with a commitment to furthering equity and justice.
-
We provide resources to frontline advocates in states that empower them to organize, lobby and fight back. We are creating new points of connection across the country for shared learning, community and collective power.
CAMPAIGN
In statehouses across the country, sexual harassment is far too prevalent and unchecked. Survivors have few options. These abuses of power interrupt the career trajectories of women in public service and inhibit good governance. Our elected officials and government institutions should be working to end sexual harassment in all workplaces, but instead, they’re part of the problem. That’s why the first campaign NWDL launched is a multi-state effort to prevent sexual harassment and protect workers in government and politics.
sexual harassment In state government
At least 400 instances of sexual harassment by 145 state legislators over the last 11 years*
*Actual instances are likely three times as much due to systemic barriers to reporting.
1 in 3 state legislators have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment. 35% of them did not report it.
40% of state legislators Report not receiving Anti-harassment training.
Highlights
Our landmark report series illuminating the crisis of workplace sexual harassment in state legislatures releases.
November 2023
With NWDL as a partner, Harassment-Free New York officially launches, the next step in the NY advocates’ 7-year fight.
May 2025
NWDL consults with Pennsylvania lawmakers to introduce a bipartisan package of 5 bills.
November 2023
NWDL consults on and testifies in support of legislation sponsored by Rep. Teresa Tanzi in Providence.
May 2025
Standing with Indiana Survivors
NWDL testifies alongside and on behalf of survivors at the Indianapolis City Council.
June 2025 | Image: Indy Mirror
Statehouse harassment: accountability matters
The majority of survivors in statehouses are women, including women currently serving in office. Behind the scenes, sexual harassment in statehouses is shaping what our legislatures looks like–who can serve and who can lead.
DERAILING WOMEN’s LEADERSHIP
pipeline problem
State legislatures are a major pipeline to Congress and research shows that most sexual harassers are repeat offenders. Action at the state level is an opportunity to clean up higher levels of government.
Most state legislatures still lack clear reporting, adequate processes, and unbiased accountability. How can we expect our elected leaders to advance anti-harassment laws for all workplaces when they haven’t done so for their own statehouse?
inadequate oversight
State legislators who sexually harassed most often targeted staff, 11% of whom were interns.
Here’s what we’re doing about it:
Advocating for policy change & Reforms.
releasing new research to make the case.
elevating survivor voices.
no survivor should ever stand alone.