The Intersections of Migration and Sexual Violence
Mitigation tools are techniques deployed by organizations, institutions, governments, states, etc. to lower an unwanted action or occurrence. When mitigating fire risks one might use the tool of cleaning the yard of debris or cutting dead branches off the tree. Another example might include when the COVID-19 pandemic started, actions such as mask mandates were utilized in the hopes of mitigating the unwanted spread of the virus. We also see the act of mitigation being utilized in response to government agencies and their constituents. One area such as this is the mitigation tactics used to reduce migration, refugees, and displaced individuals from landing somewhere deemed socially and financially inappropriate.
Beginning to process what kind of tools are used for mitigation, we can see examples even in usage of desert, hostile land. We see these evaluations being done and discussed by such groups as the “Undocumented Migration Project’s’’ and their program specifically crtisicising the active and intentional use of the Sonoran Desert by the United States Government to blame the land for the deaths of nermorous migrants, thus, reducing the “issue” and being a successful mitigation strategy. The depth in which this violence occurs is not only physical, but mental and spiritual by causing the land to become the weapon as discussed by Jason DeLeon (2015). Another, often missed and similarly experienced, tactic is the systemic and intentional rape and sexual assault of migrants and the systemic sexual violence often tied deeply with migration and the refugee experience.
While sexual violence is not specific to one area of the world, nor is it exclusive to certain individuals over others, one can begin to see the depth of the intersection between displaced individuals and survivors of sexual violence. Often these individuals have experienced the threat of sexual violence where they are attempting to seaperate themselves physically through means of migration. During the process of migration the bodies of migrants are often exploited for “safe” passage. More recently we have seen reports of sexual violence being perpetrated on the individuals being held at the United States/Mexico border, reports often stating it is the guard meant to protect and serve executing this violence. Yet, with all these examples of sexual violence as a mitigation technique, one glaring difference is the lack of data and awareness about this as a systemic practice.
When one begins to interpret the theme of “intersectionality” in our work, one may begin to see the multitude of identities that intersect, and often add layers of oppression and systemic struggle. One of these such identities that intersect would be that of migrant and that of sexual violence survivor. As discussed in De Schrijver et al., this is an intersection that has a relatively simple connection; quid pro quo and safe passage as one stated example, yet surprisingly little to no critical assessment or data being actively done (2018). Quid pro quo is a topic seen in various experiences especially that of the migrant. The New York Times produced an article that touched on this as an unequal trade, a give and take of sorts, being expected to use one's body for safe passage and a safe life (2019). They also analyze the exchange of bodily autonomy for safety, a seemingly basic human right. They ask, how might this affect women in the long run by knowing they were forced to exchange their bodies and the choices for their bodies for the safety of not only themselves, but often their family and children (2019).Yet even with this discussion led by the New York Times, they begin to question what other research is being left out. Highlighted in the article is the difference between narrative research and systemic analysis of this as a health crisis among migrants.
If we look through the lens of De Schrijver again, we see that currently the majority of the data is purely qualitative, anonymous, random, and inconsistently collected. With various narratives and reports from migrant survivors, one can feel the intensity in which these acts are perpetrated, felt, and carried. One might ask, what more do we need? This is where De Schrijver et al. begins their concludes their assessment, with the question, “where is the data?” (2018). While the overall theme is the lack of data, De Schrijver et al. also assess potential risk factors that intersect with the migrant population and sexual violence. While one was discussed above (Quid Pro Quo), another that stands out is the active displacement from a home. This can be seen as a potential risk factor and it is glaringly obvious this is also present in the migrant experience.
There are several places around the world in which we see examples of this intersection. One example is in the experience of the folx in the Mediterranean. The authors of “Migrants’ Sexual Violence in the Mediterranean Region” discuss specifically the regional perspectives on sexual violence as a whole (Hadjicharalambous & Parlalis, 2021). This article beings to unwrap the various socio/political layers of sexual violence. In various regions and cultures around the world we see different societal factors that influence the prevalence and perspectives of sexual violence. Hadjicharalambous and Parlalis dive into the culture of the Mediterranean regions and how those directly affect sexual violence. On top of that, they also attest to the influences of migration and being a migrant plays into that. To add yet another layer, the political nature of migration in the Mediterranean regions. They posit that these various layers; culture of the Mediterranean region and regional perspectives of both sexual violence and migration, create an understandable breeding ground for sexual violence. Toward the end of the discussion by these authors, even with their various arguments and assessments of said breeding ground, they also agree that more research and data need to be collected, and intentionally collected, to better understand the complexities of this topic.
Discovering this intersection might prompt thoughts of “why?” and “how”. Earlier this paper argued that this is a systemic abuse of governments, organizations, and institutions to mitigate the political issue of migration. Many things within cultures and communities are often weaponized in media and campaigns for politics and government. One of these things is the issue of refugees, migrants, and immigration. When we think of systemic tools for mitigation, things like weapons, stringent immigration policies, and perhaps even walls, what people do not often think of are the larger tools. To put into perspective the tactical warfare waged upon migrants, the Undocumented Migration Project as an organization, analyzes the land as a form of a weapon or tool. By providing narratives to the numerous lives lost in the Sonoran desert with the goal of a “new life”, programs like the “Moment of global remembrance” provide insight into just how powerful a tool the barren land can be. In support of the United States for example, the deserts lack water, shade, safe places to rest, food, etc. the government is aware of the risk migrants take when exposing themselves to this climate. Working side by side with the land, using border agents to dump out water and provisions left for migrants and lengthening the distance to travel for safety, the use of the land is filled with awareness and tact on behalf of the United States. If land can be utilized as a weapon, we can begin to see just how easily assault and sexual violence can be used as well.
A similar organization to the one above, the Freedom for Immigrants organization provides insight into the intersection of sexual violence and migration. They state “
Seeing the connection between recognizing the problem and pushing for change, they filed a federal complaint that outline, “the prevalence of reports of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in U.S. immigration detention facilities and the lack of adequate government investigation into these reports.”. This call for more assessment of the sexual abuse experienced in these United States run facilities and active protections for individuals living in these detention centers are similar to the charge of the Undocumented Migration Project outlined above. The Freedom for Immigrants organization details an even further analysis of intersections including women, children, and folx in the LGBTQIAA2+ community. One issue this organization tackles is the prompt reporting and investigation of such experiences of sexual violence within these detention facilities. Included in this push was evidence collected by the organization itself. Some of this data includes the below:
● “We found that between January 2010 and July 2016, the OIG received over 33,000 complaints of sexual assault or physical abuse against component agencies in DHS. But the Inspector General investigated less than 1 percent of these cases.
● The OIG received at least 1,016 reports of sexual abuse filed by people in detention between May 2014 and July 2016, meaning that the OIG received on average more than one complaint of sexual abuse from people in detention per day during this time period. We found that the OIG investigated only 24 of those complaints, or 2.4% of the total.
● In addition to the 1,016 complaints of sexual abuse/assault reported by people in detention, there were 402 complaints of “coerced sexual contact”, 196 complaints of “sexual harassment”, and 380 complaints of “physical or sexual abuse” lodged against ICE.
● We determined that more complaints were submitted against Immigrations & Customs Enforcement (ICE) than any other DHS component agency. Of the total number of complaints, 44.4% (or nearly 14,700 complaints) were lodged against ICE, followed by Customs and Border Protection, or CBP.
● We also analyzed data regarding calls made to the ICE ERO Detention Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) between October 2012 and March 2016. According to this data, the highest number of DRIL calls related to sexual and/or physical abuse incidents came from the Jena/LaSalle Detention Facility, followed by the Houston Contract Detention Facility, Adelanto Correctional Facility, Northwest Detention Center and the San Diego Contract Facility. All top five detention facilities with the most sexual and physical complaints are privately operated.”
These were the founding arguments presented in the complaint filed as well as the foundation for the push for more research and assessment past what they have done above.
Systemic usage of things such as land for violence against migrants and mitigation of migration. After seeing such information, it would be reasonable for one to begin to question, what is the government's role in all this? Who do they protect and how do we protect human rights, even for those between homes. The UN Refugee Agency saw the gaps in assessment, data collection, and governmental response and they decided to create a guideline on prevention. The idea of being preventative versus reactive is that we can stop sexual violence at its source as opposed to responding to survivors after the trauma has occurred. Taking a preventative approach allows for us to go “upstream” from the issue and find the roots of the problem. Now, with sexual violence we know the roots are tied to years of systemic rape culture that continues to permeate our lives and world now. Not only was sexual violence intentionally used as a tool for colonization, but various other instances in history as well.
The overall goal of this guide is as follows, “The UNHCR Guidelines on Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence Against Refugees provide a primer on when and how sexual violence can occur in the refugee context and the physical, psychological and social effects it can have on those exposed. These Guidelines highlight the fact that many, and perhaps most, incidents of sexual violence remain unreported for reasons including shame, social stigma and fear of reprisal or the case going to trial. The Guidelines address ways to combat the occurrence of sexual violence and how to respond when incidents occur. They emphasize the need for education, training and information campaigns. The Guidelines underline the need for refugees, and in particular refugee women, to receive legal awareness training, leadership and skills training, and education.” (Coomaraswamy 1995:1&2). What is really strong about the goals for this program are the various layers in which the prevention occurs. Not only do they discuss education and shared learning, but they also highlight the need for legal training and support resources for refugee women. The ability to outline such a wide range of techniques and tools in this guide show us that preventing sexual violence and responding accurately to sexual violence are all things we can be doing, and yet are we?
One of the barriers to utilizing this guide is the wide range of cultural differences seen within each refugee camp or holding area. The UNHCR also describes; urban versus rural, caseload for government workers, accessible resources, and the different legal systems as various reasons this guide has struggled to take off. Even with the data seen above on the prevalence of sexual violence, this guide has had difficulty finding its foothold within governments and their migration practices. Perhaps these barriers exemplify the lack of data, lack of practice within the government systems, and the disregard for the role the government plays in this issue. It can almost be perceived as an “out of sight out of mind” viewpoint from the government forcing migrant women and children into facilities and situations that cause lifelong trauma. What is the price we are willing to allow these individuals to pay?
Among all the research and thoughts reviewed and discussed above, one common theme stands out, why is there not more research? Even with numerous examples, narratives, media stories, and organizational input, each and every article and area of information has concluded that we have not done enough. The evidence, the data, the experiences are not being documented and thus, they are not being responded to. Above we inquired what the role of the various governments have within the sexual violence among migrants, yet perhaps we are putting the cart before the proverbial horse. If we cannot see this as an issue, as a constant source of trauma for potential future citizens, the creation of sexual violence breeding grounds, how then can we begin to analyze its effects? It can be argued that even before we push for data collection, we must open up the conversation and call this issue what it is, an endemic of trauma. It has to be the starting point, to even push governments and organizations to think about ways to collect data. First we must recognize the issue, next we must research the issue, only then can we plan prevention tactics, build resources, and support individuals through active responses and investigations. With the above information we see this as an issue, yet we have not pushed it to the point of governments being unable to look away from it.
References
A moment of global remembrance. Undocumented Migration Project. (n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.undocumentedmigrationproject.org/video
De Schrijver, L., Vander Beken, T., Krahé, B., & Keygnaert, I. (2018). Prevalence of Sexual Violence in Migrants, Applicants for International Protection, and Refugees in Europe: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of the Evidence. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(9), 1979. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15091979
Fernandez, M. (2019, March 3). 'you have to pay with your body': The hidden nightmare of sexual violence on the border. The New York Times. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/03/us/border-rapes-migrant-women.html
Hadjicharalambous, D.; Parlalis, S. Migrants’ Sexual Violence in the Mediterranean Region: A Regional Analysis. Sexes 2021, 2, 305–314. https://doi.org/10.3390/ sexes2030024
Sexual assault. Freedom for Immigrants. (n.d.). Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/sexual-assault
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (n.d.). Sexual violence against refugees: Guidelines on prevention and response (UNHCR). UNHCR. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/publications/operations/3b9cc26c4/sexual-violence-against-refugees-guidelines-prevention-response-unhcr.html