Sexual slavery of migrant women, criminality and police corruption in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this article, based on qualitative interviews with 63 migrant women victims of sexual slavery in Mexico, is to examine the ties between Mexican police authorities and criminal groups that profit from sexual slavery. Data from this research reveal that some migrant women are enslaved by groups that have built networks of complicity with police authorities. Women are tortured, deprived of food, and forced to consume narcotics to be exploited relentlessly. We conclude that criminal groups with the greatest capacity to use violence and those attending the customers with the highest resources are those who have forged stronger ties with the authorities.