Conceptualising experiences of sexual and gender based violence across the refugee journey: the experiences of forced migrants from the MENA region in the UK

This paper discusses the experiences of forced migrant SGBV survivors originating in the MENA region who have sought refuge in the UK. Based on the analysis of data from interviews with survivors of SGBV in the UK, the findings identify types of violence of experienced, sources of resilience and support and the impacts of SGBV experience on integration prospects and outcomes. The main findings of the paper are threefold. First, SGBV survivors experience (inter)personal, structural and symbolic violence throughout the forced migration journey, from the country of origin to settlement. Second, SGBV survivors suffer from multiple vulnerabilities and therefore strengthening their resilience needs to be multifaceted including social assistance as well as properly designed comprehensive policy support covering the needs of access to a safe shelter. Third, SGBV securing their status in the UK is pivotal for survivors’ integration prospects and for overcoming their personal and social trauma, caused both by the forced migration experience and experiences of violence and discrimination. The paper concludes with recommendations on the ways that vulnerability to SGBV can be addressed at three stages, in the pre-migration condition, during the asylum process and in the long-term integration.