Interconnected experiences of violence: Exploring the nexus of sexual violence, migration, and asylum plans for people on the move (PoM) in Latin America

INTRODUCTION

This study investigates the interconnected vulnerabilities of People on the Move (PoM) in Latin America who have experienced sexual violence (SV) and/or plan to seek asylum.

METHODS

Médecins Sans Frontières conducted a health survey of 2,121 PoM (45.3% female, 54.5% male) from June to December 2022 in Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions using sexual violence and planning to seek asylum as outcomes of interest were conducted.

RESULTS

Of the 1,452 PoM who answered the module on SV, 128 (8.8%) reported experiencing SV, of whom the majority (81.9%) were women. PoM who reported SV had significantly higher odds of experiencing physical aggression (OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.08-3.69) and kidnapping (OR=3.54; 95% CI 1.63-7.37) in the country where they were surveyed. 22.2% (n=28) and 31.2% (n=39) of SV cases respectively sought medical or psychological care after the incident, and of those, 92.9-94.9% received it. PoM who planned to seek asylum (n=211, 14.5%) had significantly higher odds of also reporting harassment in the country of survey (OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.07-2.29) and extortion during the journey (OR=1.52; 95% CI 1.07-2.29). Reported perpetrators of non-sexual violence were most often law enforcement or criminal organisations.

CONCLUSION

Addressing the diverse needs of PoM who have experienced sexual violence and/or who plan to seek asylum requires a comprehensive approach that recognises the intersectionality of PoM’s vulnerabilities.