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Victimization of Applicants for International Protection Residing in Belgium: Sexual Violence and Help-Seeking Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Lotte De Schrijver

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Anne Nobels

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Department of Psychiatry, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Jonathan Harb

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Laurent Nisen

    (CARE-ESPRIst, Études et Évaluations, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

  • Kristien Roelens

    (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Tom Vander Beken

    (Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Christophe Vandeviver

    (Department of Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law, Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
    Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium)

  • Ines Keygnaert

    (International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium)

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence (SV) literature on applicants for international protection (AIPs) shows that they are at high risk of victimization. The study objectives are to provide an exploratory overview of the occurrence of SV in AIPs in Belgium and their help-seeking behavior (HSB). This overview is crucial to develop prevention strategies and care paths focusing on providing adequate care to AIP SV victims in Belgium. Methods: Quantitative data from structured interviews with AIPs ( n = 62) triangulated with qualitative data from in-depth interviews with AIP SV victims ( n = 11) served to explore the nature and impact of SV in AIPs in Belgium and their HSB. Results: A total of 83.9% of respondents have experienced SV. A total of 61.3% were victimized within the past year. Victimization seems more gender-balanced than in the general population. AIPs link SV to their legal status and their associated vulnerable situation. HSB upon SV was very limited in this sample. Help-seeking barriers interfering with the decision-making process to consult (in)formal resources were identified. Conclusions: AIPs in Belgium are at high risk of SV. Despite the impact of SV on AIPs’ lives, HSB upon SV is rare. The provision of age-appropriate sexual education and development of policies that will reduce help-seeking barriers is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lotte De Schrijver & Anne Nobels & Jonathan Harb & Laurent Nisen & Kristien Roelens & Tom Vander Beken & Christophe Vandeviver & Ines Keygnaert, 2022. "Victimization of Applicants for International Protection Residing in Belgium: Sexual Violence and Help-Seeking Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12889-:d:936408
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Evelyn Schapansky & Joke Depraetere & Ines Keygnaert & Christophe Vandeviver, 2021. "Prevalence and Associated Factors of Sexual Victimization: Findings from a National Representative Sample of Belgian Adults Aged 16–69," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-22, July.
    2. Olena Ivanova & Masna Rai & Elizabeth Kemigisha, 2018. "A Systematic Review of Sexual and Reproductive Health Knowledge, Experiences and Access to Services among Refugee, Migrant and Displaced Girls and Young Women in Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-12, July.
    3. De Schrijver, Lotte & Inescu, Adina C. & Hahaut, Bastien & Vandeviver, Christophe & Nisen, Laurent & Keygnaert, Ines, 2021. "Research in Hard-To-Reach Populations: Challenges and Strategies for Conducting Sexual Violence Studies in Applicants for International Protection beyond the European General Data Protection Regulatio," SocArXiv 8nhbr, Center for Open Science.
    4. Lotte De Schrijver & Tom Vander Beken & Barbara Krahé & Ines Keygnaert, 2018. "Prevalence of Sexual Violence in Migrants, Applicants for International Protection, and Refugees in Europe: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of the Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-17, September.
    5. De Schrijver, Lotte & Krahé, Barbara & Beken, Tom Vander & Roelens, Kristien & Keygnaert, Ines, 2021. "Vulnerabilities, consequences, and help-seeking behavior related to sexual victimization in migrants, applicants for international protection, and refugees in Europe: A critical interpretive synthesis," SocArXiv 85wxh, Center for Open Science.
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