Encoxada Praia -

Whether you are a local or a tourist visiting Florianópolis or Fortaleza, prevention and reaction are your weapons.

Thousands of tourists lining up for the banheiro químico (portable toilet) or the barca (ferry). The line is tight. The victim feels a persistent pressure from behind. When they look, the man is looking at his phone, pretending it’s natural. If they step forward, he steps forward. encoxada praia

A victim is standing in waist-deep water, jumping over waves. A man swims up "accidentally" as a wave crashes. He uses the turbulence to grab the victim's bikini bottom or breast, claiming he was trying not to drown. Whether you are a local or a tourist

The term "Encoxada Praia" is a Portuguese phrase that directly translates to "beach push" or "beach jostle." However, in common Brazilian slang, encoxada refers to the act of deliberately pressing or rubbing one’s body against another person in a crowded space, often on public transport. When combined with praia (beach), it describes this behavior occurring in crowded beach settings — such as in surf zones, packed beach boardwalks, or near popular kiosks. The victim feels a persistent pressure from behind

If you experience unwanted physical contact at the beach that you believe is intentional:

One of the most common questions asked is: "If it happens on a crowded beach, why doesn't the victim shout for help?"

The psychology of encoxada praia is specific. In a mugging, you scream for your wallet. In a physical assault, you scream for pain. In encoxada, the victim often freezes due to: