Title:
Sexual Violence Against Illegal Migrants In Mexico in Transit to The United States
Authors:
Villalba, Blanca Nayeli Aguilar
Year:
2015
PAGE:
vii, 48
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Sexual violence, risk factors, migrants, prevention, Mexico
Abstract:
Sexual Violence is indicated as a major public health problem. Currently, thousands of so-called “illegal migrants” are vulnerable to all forms of sexual violence as an almost unavoidable part of the migrants’ journey. About 1 in every 6 migrant women report sexual violence experience along Mexico en route to the United States. This study aims to 1) describe factors that contribute sexual violence toward migrants in transit through Mexico, and 2) review interventions that address sexual violence, developing suggestions about needs of migrants. Methods: A literature review, using an existing conceptual model described by Goldenberg (2011) to analyse the structural, interpersonal and individual factors that influence sexual violence, and effective prevention strategies. Results: Factors related to sexual violence among migrants show to be structurally and socially widely associated with poverty; homelessness, gender norms; stereotypes, illegal status, exploitation by criminal circuit in the sex industry and human trafficking; abuse by law enforcement officers; and lack of supportive institutions. There is a relation between those factors and coerced sex, rape, sexual exploitation, and absence of the rights to use contraception and protection against STIs and HIV, all committed by a broad variety of non-partner sexual violence. Strong evidences indicate extensive impact on the victim’s/survivor´s physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health. As result, both prevention and response strategies for sexual violence are needed. Conclusions and recommendations: Illegal migrants in Mexico in transit to the U.S are at high risk of multiple forms of sexual violence and human rights violation. Migrants are left without adequate support in situations of extreme vulnerability. This requires a multi-level prevention strategy, and government commitment in order to respond in a comprehensive manner to the victims of sexual violence. There is a strong call to the international community to pay attention, particularly in addressing sexual violence, and protecting human rights
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Mexico
Region:
North America
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2015 Villalba
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
a4YeVbGVEu_20161026144010276.pdf