Mexico’s government has unveiled a sweeping plan to combat sexual abuse and violence against women after President Claudia Sheinbaum was publicly groped in an incident that shocked the nation.
The president was assaulted by a man who appeared intoxicated while walking through a Mexico City street. The encounter, captured on video, sparked nationwide outrage and reignited conversations about women’s safety in a country where gender-based violence remains widespread.
In response, Citlalli Hernández, Mexico’s Secretary for Women, announced a presidential initiative to ensure harsher penalties for sexual abuse, encourage victims to report assaults, and train prosecutors and police on how to handle such cases appropriately. The plan also includes awareness campaigns across workplaces, schools, and public transport.
“We want all Mexican women and girls to know that you are not alone,” Hernández said. “When you experience any type of violence, it’s important to report it. Know that today there is a president who protects you.”
According to Mexico’s national statistics agency, seven in ten women aged 15 and older have experienced violence at least once in their lives. So far this year, there have been more than 25,000 reports of sexual harassment, while an average of ten women are murdered every day, many in femicide-related attacks.
Lawmakers from Sheinbaum’s Morena party have said the assault underscores the urgent need for stronger protections. “What happened to the president is what has happened to many of us,” said Congresswoman Rocio Abreu. “No woman is exempt from harassment, political violence, or sexual abuse.”
A central goal of the new plan is to make sexual assault a criminal offense in all 32 Mexican states, aligning regional laws with federal standards, which prescribe six to ten years in prison for violent sexual abuse against vulnerable individuals or minors.
Senator Martha Lucía Mícher said the Senate would review local penal codes to ensure consistency and accountability. “We must recognise that this crime affects everyone — the daughters of judges, their sisters, their wives,” she said. “It’s time to ensure the law reflects that.”
However, activists warn that criminal reforms alone are not enough to address deeply rooted social problems. “You have to classify the crime as serious, but also work with men, empower women, and educate society,” Mícher added.
Some feminists expressed skepticism that the government’s proposed actions would lead to meaningful change. “There have been years of struggle, but little difference,” said 20-year-old nursing student Itzayana Brito. “There are small changes, but nothing concrete.”
Legal expert Estefania Vela, executive director of the feminist organisation Intersecta, cautioned against focusing solely on criminal punishment. “It’s easy to amend laws,” she said. “But real change requires cultural transformation and that’s harder to achieve.”
Feminist activist Oriana López echoed this view, arguing that deterrence through longer prison sentences has not been proven effective. “The theory is that harsher punishments stop abuse,” she said. “But there’s no evidence for that. What we need is cultural change.”
She added that education must be central to any solution: “We have to redefine masculinity — to teach men not to be violent, invasive, or abusive. Only then will women truly be safe.”
Editing by M10News International Desk | Contact: world@m10news.com
© 2025 M10News. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.
