: Newer campaigns encourage bystanders to intervene by asking the victim if they are okay, rather than directly confronting the aggressor, which can sometimes escalate violence.
: Specialized police stations dedicated to crimes against women where you can file a formal report ( Boletim de Ocorrência
: Studies show that contact-based harassment is the most common form of sexual violence in public transport, with over 43% of surveyed female passengers in some regions reporting direct experience with unwanted physical proximity. Public Safety Campaigns
The encoxada (derived from coxa , meaning thigh) is a form of sexual assault where a perpetrator presses their body against a victim in a crowded bus, train, or subway, usually targeting the buttocks or genital area. It is not "accidental touching" due to congestion; it is a calculated, non-consensual act of intimidation and sexual violence.
Following legislation passed late in 2025, crimes against sexual dignity, which include sexual assault (Article 215-A of the Penal Code: Sexual Importuning), now see much stricter sentencing. For incidents involving vulnerable groups (such as minors), penalties can reach up to 40 years of imprisonment. 2. Doubled Fines in Rio de Janeiro encoxada in bus updated
Many cities have launched dedicated mobile applications allowing passengers to discreetly report harassment, pinpointing the exact bus number and location via GPS for immediate transit police intervention.
Modern buses are equipped with cameras. Informing the driver ensures the footage can be flagged for later use by the police.
The fight against public transit harassment requires a continuous loop of updated laws, smarter technology, and active community vigilance. Ensuring that public buses remain safe, dignified spaces for all passengers remains a critical priority for modern urban planning.
Practicing a libidinous act against someone without their consent to satisfy a desire. 1 to 5 years in prison. (Rape) : Newer campaigns encourage bystanders to intervene by
However, the of encoxada is no longer about a lack of space. It is a legal and social term for sexual assault by friction — specifically, when a perpetrator rubs their genitals against a victim (often from behind) under the guise of crowded conditions.
In overcrowded transit hubs like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte, packed conditions are frequently exploited by harassers. The Portuguese slang encoxada literally describes rubbing against or crowding someone closely. In legal terms, this acts as a form of non-consensual frotteurism.
have implemented SMS services and mobile apps to allow victims to report harassment and send photos or videos to security staff in real-time. Current Recommendations for Passengers
: The law defines sexual harassment as committing a libidinous act against someone without their consent to satisfy one's own or another's lust. It is not "accidental touching" due to congestion;
It is important to note that encoxada is not a minor nuisance or a simple "brush past" someone. It is a non-consensual sexual act rooted in power, control, and the objectification of the victim. In legal terms, it is classified as .
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment on public transit, contact local transit police or a sexual assault hotline in your area.
If you experience an scenario, the old advice ("shout 'fuego' or move away") is obsolete. Here is the 2025 protocol: