Experiences of Direct Violence Among Venezuelan Migrant Women Resettling in Colombia

Background: During 2022 alone, approximately 248,000 Venezuelan immigrants crossed the Darien gap, one of the most dangerous migration routes in the world. This year, it is estimated that 400,000 Venezuelan immigrants will cross the treacherous Darien gap, risking their and their families’ lives with the hope of a better life. The Venezuelan migration is not only seen in the Darien gap, but Colombia has also received approximately 2 of the 6 million immigrants that have fled Venezuela since 2016. An issue that is not widely discussed and researched among immigrants is gender disparities such as gender-based violence (GBV) during the migration journey. Research has found that immigrants are at a higher risk of experiencing GBV at different stages of the migration journey; however, there is not much information on GBV among Venezuelan immigrants living in Colombia. In an effort to decentralize and democratize research, while addressing research gaps, this study aimed to answer the following research question: How do Venezuelan immigrants experience GBV discrimination experiences? To offer a holistic perspective, this study interviewed Venezuelan immigrants and providers who worked predominantly with the Venezuelan population.

Methods: Thirty recently-arrived Venezuelan immigrants and 20 providers were virtually interviewed between October 2021 and February 2022. Data were collected and analyzed in Spanish using thematic network analysis to maintain the true meaning of the data. Quotes were then translated into English.

Results: Most Venezuelan immigrants were female (n = 29; 97%), with a median age of 34. Most caregivers spent one to five years in Colombia (n = 22; 73%). Regarding providers, most were also female (n = 14; 70%) with a median age of 35 years. Most providers (n = 13; 65%) had been practicing for at least 5 years. Four themes emerged around the experiences of GBV among Venezuelan immigrants in Colombia: 1) Direct violence among Venezuelan immigrant women resettling in Colombia due to gender bias, 2) Given the lack of family support for childcare support, Venezuelan immigrants and their children in Colombia are more vulnerable to experiencing sexual abuse; 3) Perceptions of sex work as a means of survival coexist with the desire to explore alternative opportunities in the receiving country; and 4) Exploitation of child and family labor as a means of making ends meet.

Conclusions and implications: The results of this study shed light on the experiences of gender-based violence among Venezuelan migrant caregivers resettling in Colombia. Policymakers and service providers must recognize the unique challenges faced by Venezuelan immigrant women and provide accessible, culturally appropriate mental health and support services to mitigate the negative effects of gender-based violence. Future research should also examine the root causes of gender-based violence, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination, to create lasting change for Venezuelan immigrant women in Colombia.