Congratulations to UC Merced Political Science Assistant Professor Marco Alcocer and coauthors Rachel Skillman and Angie Torres-Beltran on their publication "Female mayors and violence against women: evidence from Mexico" in Political Science Research and Methods.
Abstract: This study examines whether women politicians address violence against women (VAW) more effectively than their male counterparts at the local level in Mexico. Using a regression discontinuity design that leverages close mayoral elections, we find that women mayors reduce some of the most egregious violent crimes committed against women, with estimates suggesting a 64.7% reduction in homicides of women over their 3-year terms. As evidence of potential mechanisms, we find that women mayors actively work to combat VAW, appoint more women to leadership and support roles, and expand specialized services for crime victims. These findings suggest that women’s representation in local politics may be an important factor in advancing women’s safety.
Read the Article HERE.
