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“He invited me and didn't ask anything in return” Migration and Mobility as Vulnerabilities for Sexual Exploitation among Female Adolescents in Mexico
Author(s) -
RochaJimenez Teresita,
Brouwer Kimberly C.,
Salazar Marissa,
Boyce Sabrina C.,
Servin Argentina E.,
Goldenberg Shira M.,
StainesOrozco Hugo,
VeraMonroy Ricardo B.,
Silverman Jay G.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international migration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.681
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1468-2435
pISSN - 0020-7985
DOI - 10.1111/imig.12333
Subject(s) - sex trafficking , human trafficking , human rights , vulnerability (computing) , inequality , isolation (microbiology) , sexual abuse , political science , criminology , sexual violence , gender studies , demographic economics , sociology , poison control , suicide prevention , economics , environmental health , medicine , law , computer security , mathematics , microbiology and biotechnology , computer science , biology , mathematical analysis
Although human trafficking is recognized as a major human rights violation, there is limited evidence regarding the vulnerabilities that contribute to female adolescents’ risk of being forced or coerced into the sex trade. Vulnerabilities such as gender‐based violence, economic and social inequalities have been shown to shape the risk of sexual exploitation among adolescents. In‐depth interviews (n=18) with current sex workers who reported being deceived or forced into the sex trade as adolescents (<17 years old) were analysed to explore their experiences of migration and mobility in Mexico. Driven by socio‐economic and vulnerabilities in home communities, adolescents often engaged in internal migration and mobility to other Mexican communities and states. Migration and mobility further predisposed them to social isolation, economic hardship and abuse, which were used as tools to trick them into the sex trade. Policies that support safer migration for adolescents in origin, transit, and destination communities are needed.