ELLA Policy Brief: Tackling Institutional Violence: The Protocol for Harassment and Sexual Harassment In the Mexican Federal Public Administration

A pioneering attempt from the Mexican Federal Government to transform the structural causes of institutional violence

From:
Department for International Development
Published
1 January 2014
Country:
Mexico
Document Type:
Briefing
Theme:
Governance and Conflict
Authors:
López, C.

Abstract

The Intervention Protocol for Harassment and Sexual Harassment is a pioneering attempt from the Mexican Federal Government to transform the structural causes of institutional violence within the public administration. Initiated in 2009, the Protocol has been implemented in over 30 state institutions, with replication now taking place at local level.

Key Lessons:

  • The creation of an independent and confidential complaints procedure is fundamental if victims are to come forward and denounce abuse in the workplace.
  • Given that institutional violence is deep-rooted in social behaviour and cultural attitudes, training and seminars represent appropriate mechanisms through which to transform the perception of institutional violence from controversy into professional commitment.
  • The existence of decentralised Women’s Offices responsible for mainstreaming gender at the sub-national level are key to local-level replication of such a protocol.

Citation

Anon. ELLA Policy Brief: Tackling Institutional Violence: The Protocol for Harassment and Sexual Harassment In the Mexican Federal Public Administration. ELLA, Practical Action Consulting, Lima, Peru (2014) 6 pp.

Published 1 January 2014
Contents