Mexico and Chile see surging sexual assault reports and few convictions under new laws

Mexico's national security agency reports that investigations into simple and aggravated rape have consistently exceeded 20,000 cases per year since 2021. In the first five months of 2026, 8,253 cases were opened, a 5.2% drop from the same period in 2025. The State of Mexico recorded the highest number of dossiers (1,125), followed by Mexico City (944). Officials note chronic under‑reporting, limited psychological support, and the lack of a structured protocol for victims.

In Chile, the 2024 Integral Violence Law criminalising the non‑consensual distribution of intimate images has driven a sharp rise in complaints. From January to April 2026, 125 victims reported the offence, a 160.4% increase over the previous year, and a total of 472 complaints have been filed in 2026. Despite the surge, only seven convictions have been secured between 2024 and 2026, representing 0.9% of cases, while the majority of investigations were closed provisionally due to insufficient evidence.