Encoxada In Bus
Punishable under the Federal Criminal Code with prison time and mandatory fines. Frotteurism / Non-consensual Sexual Contact
The term "encoxada" refers to a traditional Brazilian practice where a person, usually a woman, sits on someone's lap, typically a male passenger, in a crowded bus or other public transportation. This phenomenon is quite common in Brazil, particularly during peak hours when buses are overcrowded. While it may seem unusual or even uncomfortable to some, encoxada in bus has become a normalized aspect of daily commuting for many Brazilians.
Mexico City was notorious for the encoxadores . In response, the city passed the "Ley Olimpia" (Olimpia Law) and specific reforms classifying "encoxada" as sexual abuse , not just harassment. Under the new penal code, an encoxada in bus can carry prison sentences of 3 to 5 years. Undercover female police officers (known as mujeres de civil ) began riding buses, and a hotline ( 55 5533 5513 ) was established for real-time reporting. encoxada in bus
If you find yourself in a heavily crowded transit vehicle, certain positioning tactics can reduce vulnerability:
An —a Brazilian Portuguese term derived from the verb encoxar —refers to the act of rubbing, pressing, or grinding one's pelvic region or hips against someone else. When it occurs on public transit, an "encoxada in a bus" represents a pervasive and serious form of public sexual harassment and assault. Punishable under the Federal Criminal Code with prison
Addressing transit harassment requires a comprehensive approach that pairs strict legal enforcement with structural transit improvements. Reducing overcapacity through increased bus frequencies directly minimizes the chaotic physical environments where harassment thrives. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns targeting commuter behavior help build a collective culture of vigilance, transforming public transit into a safe space for all passengers.
If confronted, the harasser frequently dismisses the action as accidental, blaming the packed environment or the driver's movements. While it may seem unusual or even uncomfortable
| Parameter | Information | |-----------|-------------| | | 03 April 2026 – 08:45 am | | Route | Line 12 – Downtown ↔ University Campus | | Vehicle | Bus #B‑237, model “EcoCity‑12” (capacity 70 pax) | | Location | Inside the bus, between doors 2 and 3 (mid‑bus aisle) | | Persons Involved | • Passenger A – male, ≈ 35 y, wearing a dark jacket. • Driver – Ms. Lima (30 y). | | Sequence of Events | 1. Passenger A entered the bus, paid fare, and immediately moved to the central aisle. 2. He dropped to his knees, straddling the aisle, and remained seated for ~ 5 minutes. 3. Other passengers attempted to pass, causing minor jostling. 4. Driver politely asked the passenger to stand; he replied that he was “protesting the recent fare increase”. 5. After a brief discussion, Passenger A stood, exited at the next stop, and left the bus. | | Immediate Outcome | No injuries. Bus delayed by ~ 1 minute at the stop where the passenger exited. No formal complaint filed at that time. |