“We All Get Raped”: Sexual Violence Against Latin American Women in Migratory Transit in Mexico

Abstract

The article addresses some forms of sexual violence suffered by Latin American women during migratory transit through Mexico. In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative–phenomenological interviews were conducted with 10 women in different stages of major transmigration states. The findings demonstrate the ubiquity of sexual violence during the migration. Five themes were identified: (a) The migration dimension of “being a woman”; (b) Recognition of contextual factors associated with the migratory process: “Intermediaries, road, shelters and sisterhood”; (c) The costs of migration: Abuse, discrimination, and persecution: “Criminal groups, physical violence, and “La Bestia”; (d) Triggers and supports: “Escape and future expectations”; and (e) God as a support.