Brazilian cities propose new safety measures against transit harassment

Legislators in two Brazilian cities are proposing new measures to combat sexual harassment and molestation in public transportation systems.

In Porto Alegre, the City Council approved a protocol for assisting victims and reporting incidents. Proposed by Councilwoman Grazi Oliveira, the measure requires public transport workers to follow specific procedures when a report is made, including victim support, incident registration, and notifying public security forces. Transport companies may also be required to provide information regarding such occurrences. The project now awaits executive sanction.

In Salvador, Councilwoman Aladilce Souza has submitted a proposal to the state government to install an emergency button system, referred to as the ‘Botão de Emergência Lilás’ (Lilac Emergency Button), in the Salvador Metro and the upcoming VLT. The device would allow for the immediate summoning of the Military Police and provide the location of the train or incident to facilitate security response. As an indication project, the measure serves as a suggestion to the executive branch rather than a mandatory requirement.