Mexico City, July 11, 2026 – Reports of gang rape in Mexico City have quadrupled over the past six years, with 72 cases registered in 2025 alone. Data from the Attorney General’s Office (FGJ) reveals a concerning trend, with 853 investigation files for various forms of rape, including attempted, aggravated, and gang rape, opened in the first five months of 2026.
Alarming Increase in Gang Rape Cases
Dr. Carolina Jasso, a research doctor at El Colegio de México, confirmed the significant increase in gang rape cases in recent years. Currently, 26 active cases are open across the city, each representing a victim. Jasso highlighted that this specific type of sexual assault has surged fourfold in six years. “Gang rape has seen a very evident increase in Mexico City in recent years; the Attorney General’s data indicates that the number of victims has quadrupled in six years. In 2018, there were 22 victims, and in 2023, the highest peak was recorded with 108,” she stated.
Factors Contributing to the Rise
Behind these numbers, Jasso identified several contributing factors. Firstly, perpetrators often exploit specific contexts, including social circles, nighttime hours, and the use of substances in drinks. Secondly, gang rape involves a group and collective dynamic, often sustained by a logic of male co-responsibility, which makes it even more challenging for victims to report these crimes to authorities.
A recent case from October 2022 illustrates this pattern: a woman, whose identity remains protected, attended a gathering with alleged friends where alcoholic beverages were consumed. After taking a final drink, she lost consciousness, unaware that a substance had been slipped into her glass. She was then sexually assaulted by three individuals who overpowered her. An investigation, with the collaboration of FGJ agents, led to the apprehension of one of the perpetrators.
Geographical Distribution of Cases
According to the statistics, the highest number of gang rape victims is concentrated in the Cuauhtémoc and Tlalpan boroughs, with the remaining reports distributed across other districts. In terms of all types of rape, the Cuauhtémoc and Iztapalapa boroughs have the most open files, followed by Gustavo A. Madero, Álvaro Obregón, and Coyoacán.
Challenges in Reporting and Justice
The complexity of gang rape, coupled with the group dynamics and the use of incapacitating substances, presents significant hurdles for victims seeking justice. The social stigma and the difficulty of navigating legal processes often deter individuals from reporting these crimes, potentially leading to an underestimation of the true prevalence.
Authorities and experts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to address this alarming trend, including increased public awareness campaigns, enhanced security measures in vulnerable areas, and improved support systems for victims. The Attorney General’s Office continues its efforts to investigate and prosecute these cases, aiming to bring perpetrators to justice and provide a safer environment for all residents of Mexico City.
Source: https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2026/07/11/capital/en-la-cdmx-denuncias-por-violacion-tumultuaria-se-ha-cuadruplicado-en-6-anos-72-casos-en-2025
