Interconnected Experiences of Violence Exploring the Nexus of Sexual Violence, Migration, and Asylum Plans for People on the Move (PoM) in Latin America

Introduction: This study investigates the interconnected vulnerabilities of People on the Move (PoM) in Latin America who have experienced sexual violence (SV) and/or plan to seek asylum. Methods: Médecins Sans Frontières conducted a health survey of 2,121 PoM (45.3% female, 54.5% male) from June to December 2022 in Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions using sexual violence and planning to seek asylum as outcomes of interest were conducted. Results: Of the 1,452 PoM who answered the module on SV, 128 (8.8%) reported experiencing SV, of whom the majority (81.9%) were women. PoM who reported SV had significantly higher odds of experiencing physical aggression (OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.08-3.69) and kidnapping (OR=3.54; 95% CI 1.63-7.37) in the country where they were surveyed. 22.2% (n=28) and 31.2% (n=39) of SV cases respectively sought medical or psychological care after the incident, and of those, 92.9-94.9% received it. PoM who planned to seek asylum (n=211, 14.5%) had significantly higher odds of also reporting harassment in the country of survey (OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.07-2.29) and extortion during the journey (OR=1.52; 95% CI 1.07-2.29). Reported perpetrators of non-sexual violence were most often law enforcement or criminal organisations. Conclusion: Addressing the diverse needs of PoM who have experienced sexual violence and/or who plan to seek asylum requires a comprehensive approach that recognises the intersectionality of PoM's vulnerabilities.