Gender-based violence in Mexican universities: Magnitude, protocols and institutional responses

Abstract

This research examines the prevalence of sexual harassment among Mexican female university students, the influence of institutional protocols aimed at preventing and assisting victims of gender-based violence, and institutional reactions. Methodology combines quantitative data from the 2021 National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships with qualitative data from student responses to an online study conducted in the same year. In 2021, 19.5% of women experienced sexual harassment, with lower prevalence among those attending higher education institutions that had established protocols. Only 12.5% of victims sought formal help, and 10.4% filed a complaint (81.5% of those within university institutions). Institutional responses are heterogeneous and depend on whether survivors turn to administrative authorities or to victim support units that adopt a gender perspective. Empirical findings reveal both the usefulness of the assistance and access to justice provided by universities, as well as the institutional betrayal experienced by some students, manifested in dismissive attitudes, victim-blaming by administrative authorities, and deficiencies in awareness, protocols, and support services.