Citation

Rocha-Jiménez T, Brouwer KC, Salazar M, Boyce SC, Servin AE, Goldenberg SM, Staines-Orozco H, Vera-Monroy RB, Silverman JG. Int. Migr. 2018; 56(2): 5-17.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration [and] Research Group for European Migration Problems)

DOI

10.1111/imig.12333

PMID

33293733 PMCID

Abstract

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.

Language: en