The News

Sexual Harassment in Mexico City’s Public Transportation System

CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, 02MARZO2017.- Decenas de elementos policiacos de diferentes organismos de seguridad, se instalaron en la estación Pantitlán de la línea 1 del metro, estodebido a una convocatoria que se lanzó por redes sociales en el que se invitaba a las personas a un "arrimón consensuado", en el que los usuarios del transporte público se repegarían sus genitales unos con otros. FOTO: TERCERO DÍAZ/ CUARTOSCURO.COM

In Mexico City, the highest number of recoded cases of sexual harassment happens in the Metro Collective Transportation System. To tackle this issue, the program Viajemos Seguras (Let’s Travel Safely) of the Mexico City Citizen Council provided counseling to women who suffered harassment in the Metro.

According to figures collected by the Public Safety Secretariat of Mexico City, only 8 out of 10 women report file claims, and perpetrators usually range from 31 to 40 years of age. Most of these incidents take place during rush hour which encompasses from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 10 p.m.

Sexual harassment is punishable with up to three years in prison and a fine the event of exposed genitalia, use of fowl language or taking pictures. Authorities claim that reports of sexual harassment in public transportation have decreased, however, most of the time victims do not file claims due to lack of trust in the process.