'You are not alone': Mexico acts against sexual abuse after president was groped

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

A seemingly drunken man tried to kiss President Claudia Sheinbaum while she was walking in public in Mexico City

(LUIS BARRON/SHUTTERSTOCK)

Citlalli Hernández, Mexico’s secretary for women, presented a presidential plan to confront the issue, which would include actions such as ensuring prison sentences for sexual abuse across Mexico, 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, girls, young women, and women in general that you are not alone, that when you experience any type of violence, it is important to report it," said Hernández last week. "Know that today there is a president who protects you."

The plan follows a public groping incident 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.

That even the president could face such an assault brought national visibility to an issue that affects millions of Mexican women every day.