Citation

Wagner H. Anthropos 2009; 104(1): 41-61.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Anthropos Institute, Publisher Academic Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Domestic violence represents an "invisible" motive for migration and is an almost unstudied phenomenon in the context of migration. This article examines domestic violence in the case of Ecuadorian migrants living in Spain and its influence on their decision to migrate. First, domestic violence affecting Ecuadorian women is analysed as a potential cause of migration. Next, the determining factors causing the decline of domestic relations, incitement of violence or renegotiation of violent gender relations in Spain are explored, by looking at women's income, social networks, contested values and norms. official responses, different forms of assistance for abused women and their efficiency. It is demonstrated that institutional help, including the possibility of pressing charges against a violent person, is an important resource for abused women. However, at the same time their vulnerability as (undocumented) female migrants with an often uncertain or male-dependent legal status restricts the female migrants' access to and the efficacy of these instruments. [Ecuador, Spain, migration, gender, violence, women]