Migrant women face pervasive sexual violence tied to precarious work

Time reports that sexual violence against migrant women working in agriculture, food processing and domestic work is widespread, often hidden, and frequently goes unpunished.

The reporting highlights that migrant women are concentrated in largely unregulated sectors and face staggering rates of harassment and assault; a recent UN Women article is cited and an estimated 65% to 80% of farmworker women experience sexual harassment. The lack of visibility, oversight and regulation — and employers’ control of wages, hours, housing and transportation — creates extreme power imbalances in which retaliation for reporting can mean losing a job or shelter.

The piece also notes that reporting can be dangerous for immigrant survivors, who may avoid law enforcement out of fear, and that rural health care often lacks cultural competence and language access. It points to high-profile cases and to accounts of victims lured under the pretense of employment, and argues that survivors need enforcement, safe reporting mechanisms, and legal and health support so they can work without fear.

Key Topics

World, Migrant Women, Sexual Violence, Domestic Work, Agriculture, Un Women