Prior to 2021, an encoxada in Brazil was often classified under "disturbance of the peace" or, at best, "harassment" (Article 61 of the Criminal Contravention Act), carrying a paltry fine or community service. Many cases never even made it to court.
The suspect in the "encoxada bus 2021" case was initially charged with a misdemeanor. But the viral pressure changed everything. The public prosecutor’s office in São Paulo reclassified the act as sexual harassment under Article 215-A of the Brazilian Penal Code (introduced in 2018 but rarely applied to encoxada). This crime carries a penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison. encoxada bus 2021
In a landmark ruling in October 2021, the judge found the man guilty, sentencing him to 2 years and 4 months in prison (later converted to community service and mandatory psychological treatment, due to Brazil’s non-violent first-offender laws). However, the true importance of the ruling was the legal precedent: the court explicitly stated that an encoxada on a bus is never accidental. It requires intent. And intent constitutes sexual violation. Guide: "encoxada bus 2021" What it is