It is vital to distinguish between innocent bumping and deliberate assault.
If you feel someone is committing an encoxada against you on a bus:
| | Intentional encoxada | | --- | --- | | Brief, light touch | Sustained pressure or rhythmic rubbing | | Person apologizes or moves away | Person follows you if you shift position | | Contact happens only during sharp turns/stops | Contact occurs on straight, stable stretches | | Normal body parts touch (shoulder, elbow, back of hand) | Genitals, erect penis, or open hand on buttocks/thighs | | Person avoids repeated contact | Person uses a bag or coat to hide their movement |
Public transport offers three elements that abusers exploit: encoxada bus
: Under Brazilian Law No. 13.718/2018, acts like the "encoxada" were formally categorized as crimes of sexual harassment. Previously, these acts were often difficult to prosecute or dismissed as minor misdemeanors.
Several cities have directly targeted encoxada :
: Safety advice often includes creating physical barriers with bags or backpacks and attempting to stand against walls or partitions to minimize contact from behind. It is vital to distinguish between innocent bumping
To combat the prevalence of harassment on public transportation, several Brazilian cities have implemented specific safety measures:
An Encoxada Bus is essentially a food truck or bus that specializes in serving a specific type of Brazilian street food called "encoxada." Encoxada is a popular snack in Brazil, consisting of a crispy, savory pastry shell filled with shredded chicken, catupiry cheese, or other tasty ingredients. The Encoxada Bus takes this traditional street food to the next level by serving it in a colorful, converted bus that's been transformed into a mobile kitchen.
The most common targets are women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and young people, though anyone can be a victim. Previously, these acts were often difficult to prosecute
If you have been a victim of an encoxada :
Encoxada is a classic Brazilian snack that originated in the northeastern region of the country. The name "encoxada" comes from the Portuguese word "coxa," meaning "thigh," which refers to the shape of the pastry shell. Traditionally, encxada is sold as a street food, with vendors selling the snack in markets, festivals, and on street corners.