Migrant Domestic Workers’ Experiences of Sexual Harassment: A Qualitative Study in Four EU Countries

Sexes

Zoe Apostolidou¹  Christiana Kouta¹  Lina Pelekidou²  Maria Papadakaki²  Joannes Chliaoutakis²  Nikoleta Ratsika²  Andrej Kohont³  Miran Solinc³  Brigitte Halbmayr⁴  Jack Lainpelto⁵  Katrin Lainpelto⁵  Josie Christodoulou⁶  Anna Zobnina⁶  Christalla Pithara⁷ 

[1] Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus;Department of Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71004 Heraklion Crete, Greece;Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;Institute of Conflict Research, A-1030 Vienna, Austria;Juridiska Institutionen, Stockholms Universitet, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies, 1703 Nicosia, Cyprus;Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK;

关键词: domestic worker;    migrant;    undocumented;    sexual harassment;    violence;    social network;   

DOI  :  10.3390/sexes2030022

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Sexual harassment against female migrant domestic workers is a public health problem, which remains hidden and largely underreported. The current paper presents the results of a qualitative research study on sexually victimized migrant domestic workers in four European countries (Austria, Cyprus, Greece, and Sweden). The study aimed at exploring the profile and experiences of victimised individuals. Data were gathered via 66 semi-structured interviews with victimised female migrant domestic workers. Key findings of the current study indicate that the victims: (a) were usually undocumented and had low local language skills; (b) identified domestic work as the only way into the labour market; (c) suffered primarily psychological, economic, and social consequences; (d) had poor social support networks; (e) were poorly connected to governmental support services. This is the first study to explore this hidden problem via direct contact with victims. Addressing barriers of migrants’ social integration seems important. Better regulation and monitoring of this low-skilled occupation could minimise risks for vulnerable employees.

【 授权许可】

Unknown