Forced Migration and Risk Factors for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

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Written By: Vedha I.K

Migration involves the movement of people from one place to another due to economic, social, political, or environmental reasons. In the case of forced migration, individuals—such as refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and asylum seekers—are compelled to leave their homes against their will. After migration, these individuals face a complex and ongoing process of integration that includes settlement, interaction with the host society, and adaptation to social changes.

How does environmental violence impact Migrants and Refugees?

Environmental disasters—such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts—often drive large-scale displacement. Scarcity of essential resources like food, water, and shelter can lead to conflict and insecurity. Migrants, forced to travel under dangerous and harsh conditions, are frequently exposed to hazardous environments, resulting in both physical and mental health challenges.

Once displaced, many struggle to resettle due to the lack of infrastructure, inadequate refugee camps, and limited access to legal services. They often face discrimination and social exclusion in host communities. The absence of secure and safe routes frequently pushes migrants to take unsafe transportation options or resort to human smugglers, further heightening their vulnerability.

In many cases, individuals are separated from their families and support systems, increasing their exposure to exploitation by those in power—such as traffickers, law enforcement, or corrupt officials. These factors collectively create conditions conducive to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

What are the risk factors for GBV during forced migration?

Several conditions contribute to the heightened risk of SGBV among displaced populations:

• Lack of shelter or unsafe housing exposes individuals to immediate threats of violence.

• Frequent displacement disrupts access to education, healthcare, and social support systems.

• Controlling partners may restrict access to resources and isolate individuals from help.

• Survivors of violence may develop trauma-related fears, especially toward individuals of the same gender as the perpetrator.

• Exploitation in the workplace is common due to lack of legal status and protections.

• Male unemployment is often linked to increased intimate partner violence, due to economic stress and weakened accountability.

• Survivors may feel shame, distrust, or isolation, preventing them from seeking help.

• Cultural stigma around divorce, sexuality, or rape leads to ostracization.

• The normalization and trivialization of SGBV discourages reporting and access to support.

• Marginalized identities—such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, Dalits, or Indigenous groups—face compounded risks.

• Survivors may fear or avoid law enforcement due to lack of legal documentation or past negative experiences.

• Language barriers impede access to medical, legal, and psychosocial services.

• Migrants may face online harassment and stalking, often made worse by their reliance on mobile phones for communication and navigation.

• Authorities themselves (e.g., police, camp staff) can be perpetrators of violence, exploiting the legal vulnerability of displaced individuals (Phillimore et al., 2023).

Want to analyze a case study?

The Democratic Republic of Congo illustrates the extreme vulnerability of displaced populations. As of 2018, more than 72% of the population lived on less than $1.90 per day, with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Fertility rates and early childbearing are also high.

Since the onset of conflict in 1998, an estimated 1,000 women—approximately 65% of them under the age of 18—are raped daily. In both refugee camps and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, women are subjected to:

• Sexual violence by persons in authority

• Domestic violence

• Assault while searching for necessities

• Forced prostitution and exploitation while seeking legal recognition or resources

• Brutal practices like gang rape, genital mutilation, and forced abortion

Survivors endure a multitude of consequences: physical injury, sexually transmitted infections, infertility, psychological trauma, disabilities, social stigma, and even death (Lugova, Samad, & Haque, 2020).

Why does GBV occur amongst this population?

GBV is often perpetrated by:

• Other migrants (due to lack of legal protection)

• Police, camp staff, military personnel

• Traffickers and, at times, humanitarian aid workers

Sexual slavery, trafficking, and domestic violence are common in camps. Domestic violence can manifest as physical abuse, verbal and emotional harassment, control over finances, and denial of resources. It is used as a tool for dominance and control, often exacerbated by factors like:

• Male unemployment and economic hardship

• Female economic dependence

• Social stigma surrounding divorce or separation

• Weak judicial systems and lack of accountability

Survivors often face victim-blaming, isolation, and psychological distress. They may hesitate to leave abusive relationships due to emotional attachment, children, or financial dependency. Many are discouraged from reporting violence due to social pressure, inadequate services, or fear of retaliation.

Marital rape is often not criminalized, and domestic violence may carry reduced legal consequences. Sexual violence is used as a weapon of ethnic cleansing or as a tool for control by both state and non-state actors.

Survivors may experience:

• Severe psychological trauma

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Sexually transmitted infections and diseases

• Unwanted pregnancies

• Reproductive health complications

• Disabilities, internal injuries, and incontinence

• Nightmares and chronic pain

What are some global and national efforts being taken to protect this population?

Canada stands out for its commitment to refugee protection. Through its robust legal frameworks, it ensures:

• Legal rights for migrants and refugees

• Protection from GBV

• Comprehensive resettlement and integration programs

Canada serves as a model for progressive refugee policy rooted in human rights and gender sensitivity.

What is the situation like for refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals in India?

India still has considerable work to do in safeguarding refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals and require more comprehensive national policies to protect forced migrants from GBV. Despite high incidence rates, protection measures are minimal, and legal pathways remain inaccessible or delayed.

Key areas of focus should include:

• Raising public awareness about SGBV during forced migration

• Training for law enforcement, healthcare workers, and media to handle cases with sensitivity

• Ensuring safe access to basic resources like food, shelter, and sanitation in camps

• Encouraging survivors to report abuse and access justice

• Making legal and police services accessible and inclusive

• Hiring trained professionals in refugee camps to respond to SGBV cases

• Providing safe housing and support for survivors wishing to leave abusive situations

• Educating service providers on trauma-informed, survivor-centered care

Until comprehensive legal frameworks are adopted and implemented, displaced individuals in India will remain at heightened risk for GBV (Ganeshpanchan, Z., 2005).

Want the references for this article?

• Phillimore, J., Block, K., Bradby, H., Ozcurumez, S., & Papoutsi, A. (2023). Forced migration, sexual and gender-based violence and integration: Effects, risks and protective factors. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 24(2), 715-745.

  
  

• Lugova, H., Samad, N., & Haque, M. (2020). Sexual and gender-based violence among refugees and internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Post-conflict scenario. Risk management and healthcare policy, 2937-2948.

  
  

• Ganeshpanchan, Z. (2005). Domestic and gender-based violence among refugees and internally displaced women. Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies, 1-8.

Forced migration exacerbates vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence, especially among women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized ethnic or caste groups. The intersection of legal invisibility, social exclusion, and patriarchal control creates a perfect storm for abuse and impunity.

Addressing this crisis requires urgent reform at both the policy and implementation levels. Countries must strengthen legal frameworks, ensure access to justice, and invest in survivor support systems. Only then can we begin to uphold the dignity, rights, and safety of those displaced by conflict, disaster, and persecution.