The problem is truly global. In Great Britain, a survey found that on trains or in train stations, with official British Transport Police data showing that recorded sexual assaults on public transport increased from 1,676 cases in 2023/24 to 1,799 in 2024/25. In Bangladesh, a shocking 90% of women and girls encounter sexual harassment while commuting. Even in France, the number of victims of sexual violence on public transport recorded by law enforcement increased by 86% in less than a decade.
The response to encoxada has been multifaceted, involving legal changes, technological innovations, grassroots activism, and educational campaigns.
In a crushing, over-capacity rush hour subway car or bus, physical contact is often unavoidable.
Many global cities have introduced dedicated cars or buses during peak hours to mitigate risk. Examples include: on the Mexico City Metro.
In recent years, global legal frameworks have evolved to penalize non-consensual touching on public transit more harshly. Country / Region Legal Classification Consequences & Penalties Importunação Sexual (Sexual Importunity Law, 2018)
Recognizing that fear and embarrassment often prevent in-the-moment reporting, transit authorities and governments have launched digital tools to make reporting safe and easy. Apps and WhatsApp hotlines allow victims or witnesses to report an incident by providing the bus number, time, and location, and even uploading video or photo evidence. This data can then be automatically forwarded to law enforcement, preserving the chain of evidence without forcing the victim to make a public accusation on the spot.
I recently had the pleasure of enjoying encoxada while taking a bus ride, and I must say, it was love at first bite - or should I say, love at first view? From the top of the bus, looking out over the vibrant cityscape, made the experience even more delightful.
: Create a diversion (e.g., ask the victim for the time or directions).
In transportation planning, high passenger density is a common challenge during rush hours. Distinguishing between normal physical crowding and intentional misconduct is a critical safety factor:
