Abstract
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.
Highlights
Sexual harassment against domestic workers is seen as an illegal and unacceptable phenomenon that is embedded in the patterns of society [1]
A total of 66 female migrant domestic workers participated in the study (Austria = 15, Cyprus = 16, Greece = 20, Sweden = 15)
Numerous studies exist on violence against women, they do not focus on the phenomenon of sexual violence against migrant domestic workers and the contributing factors
Summary
Sexual harassment against domestic workers is seen as an illegal and unacceptable phenomenon that is embedded in the patterns of society [1]. There are structural issues regarding this occupational group, which seem to increase their vulnerability to sexual exploitation. The domestic sector has lower language and educational requirements, with low-status, low-skilled, and low-paid jobs. Demand for such work is usually driven by the employer. Domestic work takes place in the private household away from the outside world and the scrutiny of regulatory bodies [1,2,3,4]. Migrants seem to be in an even more disadvantageous position as compared with local workers for various reasons. The dependence on employers for obtaining and retaining employment or work permits might facilitate exploitation especially in the case of
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