Mental Health: “Another Victim” of Violence Against Migrant Women

Violence against women in transit is a humanitarian crisis that severely affects their physical and mental well-being. Many women experience violence in their home countries, which compels them to migrate. Unfortunately, the risks escalate during their journey, where they confront various forms of abuse and continue to face challenges at their destinations, including discrimination, xenophobia, and linguistic and cultural obstacles that complicate their integration and prolong their victimization.

Lourdes Lezama, Director of Gender and Inclusion at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) emphasized that 48% of migrants are women who face significant challenges during their journeys.

Lezama highlighted data from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, indicating that 72% of women refugees passing through Latin America have faced violence. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) states that one in three migrant women encounters some form of sexual violence while in transit. Additionally, UNICEF reveals that girls and young women represent 49% of trafficking victims in migration scenarios.

This marked vulnerability, compounded by gender, worsens due to the lack of support structures along migratory routes and at destination points, increasing the risks that women face.

Sexual Violence as a Major Issue Risk

During the panel discussion “The Impact of Violence on the Mental Health of Women in Mobility,” Lezama stressed that sexual violence is one of the most significant risks. Up to 60% of migrant women traveling along routes controlled by traffickers or armed groups have been victims of sexual violence.

Transit is the most dangerous phase of migration, with women often subjected to additional abuses, such as labor trafficking, physical violence (including beatings, torture, and attacks by traffickers, fellow migrants, or corrupt authorities), and psychological violence (such as threats, humiliation, and emotional coercion). These experiences severely harm their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Lezama also noted the presence of structural violence, reflected in the lack of access to essential services such as healthcare, safe shelters, and legal support, as well as the impacts of anti-migrant and family separation policies.

Devastating Effects on Mental Health

The violence and trauma these women endure have profound effects on their mental health. Migrant women who experience violence often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, nightmares, and a persistent sense of danger.

Chronic stress can make it difficult for them to lead everyday lives, even after reaching a safe environment. Anxiety, depression, social isolation, and the fear of deportation contribute to high levels of hopelessness and despair.

Unfortunately, due to stigma, many women do not seek psychological help, which perpetuates the impact of trauma and may even transmit it across generations.

Combating Violence Against Migrants Women

Lezama underlines the importance of educating women about migration risks and their rights.

Women migrate for various reasons, including domestic violence, extreme poverty, and forced displacement. However, a lack of information and preparation at the origin increases the dangers during transit.

In this context, seeking safe routes, learning about shelters, and connecting with organizations that provide support along critical migratory paths can reduce transit risks.

At destination points, it is crucial to implement inclusive policies, ensure access to essential services, and adopt strategies that facilitate integration, reduce discrimination, and address aggravating factors. These factors include restrictive immigration policies, extended detentions, family separations, asylum limitations, and immediate deportation policies.

Free and Confidential Psychological Support from Consulates

It is essential to address the mental health needs of migrant women who have experienced violence by offering comprehensive psychological care and emotional support. Access to this assistance is provided by consular and diplomatic representations, irrespective of the victims’ legal or migratory status.

Elizabeth Jiménez Rivera, Director of Health and Sports at the IME, explained that U.S. consulates offer mental health support programs through health desks in collaboration with academic institutions.

Jiménez Rivera highlighted that the email ime.salud@sre.gob.mx is a confidential and secure tool for all Mexicans abroad to connect with mental health professionals.

Experts said the importance of prioritizing women in migration policies to turn their mobility experiences into pathways for empowerment and justice. They stressed that mental health and well-being are essential human rights.