Claudia Sheinbaum Proposes Measures to Combat Sexual Abuse in Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has introduced new proposals aimed at enhancing the reporting and prosecution of sexual abuse, following her own experience of being groped in public. The incident occurred on November 5, 2025, as Sheinbaum was interacting with citizens in the streets of Mexico City. The attack, involving a drunken man who assaulted her while she greeted supporters, has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the country.

In response to the assault, Sheinbaum has pressed charges for sexual harassment, which, under Mexico City law, encompasses lewd behavior and groping. She has also initiated a review of the varying laws concerning sexual harassment and abuse across Mexico’s 32 states. This legislative effort aims to create a more unified and effective legal framework to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

The prevalence of sexual harassment in Mexico is alarming. According to the United Nations, approximately 70% of girls and women aged 15 and older will experience at least one incident of sexual harassment in their lives. Sheinbaum indicated that around 45% of these women have faced sexual abuse. The scale of this issue is further underscored by the fact that over 25,000 complaints of sexual harassment have been lodged this year alone, as reported by Citlalli Hernandez, Secretary for Women.

In her morning press conference, Sheinbaum expressed her hope that her experience would encourage other women to come forward when facing harassment. She stated, “May what happened serve so that women do not feel alone in situations of harassment or abuse… and for this to happen, there must be institutions and a government that supports them.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need for societal change regarding how sexual harassment is perceived and addressed in Mexico.

Sheinbaum’s assault has also reignited discussions about the safety of politicians in Mexico, a country where public figures, including politicians, can often be targets of cartel violence. Despite the potential risks, Sheinbaum has ruled out increasing her security measures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a close connection with the public. “We need to be close to the people,” she asserted.

As the country grapples with these challenges, Sheinbaum has called for an “efficient and quick” reporting system that would ensure justice for victims. While she did not provide specific details about what this system might entail, her proposals underscore a critical need for reform in how sexual harassment and abuse are addressed in Mexico.

The fallout from her experience highlights the urgent need for changes in societal attitudes and legal frameworks surrounding sexual violence. This incident not only serves as a personal ordeal for Sheinbaum but also as a rallying point for women’s rights advocates across the nation, amplifying the call for safer public spaces and more robust support for victims of harassment.