The intersection of corruption and gender-based violence: Examining the gendered experiences of sextortion during migration to South Africa.

Journal: African journal of reproductive health

Volume: 26

Issue: 6

Year of Publication: 2023

Affiliated Institutions:  United Nations University-MERIT and Maastricht University, the Netherlands.

Abstract summary 

Sextortion, a gendered form of corruption where sexual favours are the means of exchange, frequently occurs during migration. While the consequences of surviving sextortion are devastating, sextortion remains relatively understudied. Hence, this paper explores the experiences of sextortion of African migrants migrating to South Africa. Based on interviews with experts on migration, corruption, and gender in South Africa, this paper answers the research question: "What are the experiences of sextortion for African migrants migrating to South Africa and how are they gendered?". The results confirm irregular, female migrants are most vulnerable to experiencing sextortion both during their journeys and in South Africa. This is alarming as there are various psychical, mental, and sexual health consequences like trauma, STIs, pregnancies, and stigmatisation. These consequences have both short- and long-term consequences and will continue to exist without adjusted policy frameworks, improved support systems for survivors, and a broader discussion on gender norms.

Authors & Co-authors:  Caarten Ashleigh Bicker AB Heugten Loes van LV Merkle Ortrun O

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : 10.29063/ajrh2022/v26i6.6
SSN : 1118-4841
Study Population
Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
Sextortion;South Africa;corruption;migration;sexual violence;south-south migration
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
Nigeria