Rape, transactional sex and related factors among migrants in transit through Mexico to the USA

Migrants in transit through Mexico to the USA are at risk of violence, including sexual violence, during the immigration process. This study sought to identify the socio-demographic factors, migration experiences and health conditions associated with the likelihood of sexual violence. A mixed method...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Culture, health & sexuality health & sexuality, 2020-10, Vol.22 (10), p.1145-1160
Main Authors: Infante, Cesar, Leyva-Flores, René, Gutierrez, Juan Pablo, Quintino-Perez, Frida, Torres-Robles, Cristian Armando, Gomez-Zaldívar, Mariajosé
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Demography
gender
Gender differences
Immigration
Inequality
Legs
Mexico
Migrant workers
Migrants
Migration
Occupational segregation
Rape
Sex crimes
Sexual violence
Shelters
Social environment
Sociodemographics
Stigma
Underreporting
USA
Violence
Women
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Summary:Migrants in transit through Mexico to the USA are at risk of violence, including sexual violence, during the immigration process. This study sought to identify the socio-demographic factors, migration experiences and health conditions associated with the likelihood of sexual violence. A mixed methods study was conducted between 2012 and 2015. The quantitative phase of the work involved a non-random sample (n = 3539) of migrants who were the users of migrant shelters in Mexico. A probit regression model was used to identify the variables associated with the experience of sexual violence by participants. A total of 58 semi-structured interviews took place with migrants who had either experienced sexual violence or who were acquainted with the sexual violence experienced by other migrants. Of those who experienced any kind of violence, 5.7% reported having experienced sexual violence, with statistically significant differences by gender. According to male migrants, women in transit had the advantage of having an 'entry ticket [to the USA] between their legs'. The dynamics of undocumented transit migration provide multiple opportunities for gender-based inequality and sexual violence. We consider the major underreporting of sexual violence due to the stigma and normalisation of violence, in a social context marked by impunity.
ISSN:1369-1058
1464-5351
DOI:10.1080/13691058.2019.1662088