The Congress of Mexico City unanimously approved a Penal Code reform to impose harsher penalties on street harassment as part of the fight against gender violence. The initiative, led by Representative Liz Salgado, aims to protect women in public spaces like streets and transportation. This measure addresses data showing that 76.2% of women in the capital have experienced violence.
In an effort to combat gender violence, the Congress of Mexico City yesterday approved an amendment to the Penal Code that more strictly typifies street harassment. The proposal, presented by PAN Representative Liz Salgado, incorporates this behavior as a new subsection IV in article 179, increasing the penalty by up to two-thirds of the base sanction for the offense of harassment.
Salgado Viramontes thanked Representative Alberto Martínez Urincho, president of the Administration and Justice Commission, and its members for adapting the initiative to current regulations. The urgency of this reform is supported by the 2021 National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (ENDIREH) from INEGI, which states that 76.2% of women in Mexico City have faced violence in their lifetime. Of these, 64.5% over 15 years old have suffered gender-based violence, mainly in community settings such as streets, parks, and public transportation.
In her address, the lawmaker emphasized: “Eradicating gender violence must be a priority for all, regardless of colors or ideologies, and changes like the one we approve today undoubtedly contribute to it.” Salgado also urged women to report any harassment incidents, noting that this reform strengthens safety in public spaces and reaffirms the authorities' commitment to a violence-free life for women.