Action plan on sexual assault after attack on Sheinbaum

The shocking public groping of Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has prompted rapid political action to tackle sexual abuse, as well as public debate on how best to address the problem, which is widespread across the country.

- Oscar Lopez

Citlalli Hernández, Mexico’s secretary for women, presented a presidential plan including actions such as ensuring prison sentences for sexual abuse, encouraging women to report incidents, and training prosecutors and other officials on how to handle the matter. The plan would also include a public awareness campaign in public spaces, workplaces, schools and on public transport to prevent violence against women.

“We want to tell all Mexican women ... that you are not alone, that when you experience any type of violence, it is important to report it,” said Hernández. “Know that today there is a president who protects you.”

The plan follows a public attack in which a seemingly drunken man tried to kiss the Mexican leader and reached for her breasts while she was walking down a street in Mexico City. The incident was captured on video and provoked outrage among Mexican women. The incident brought national visibility to an issue that affects millions of Mexican women every day.