Coercive control of the sexuality of migrant women and young girls in the context of honour-based violence in Canada

• In Event: Contemporary Challenges in Victimization and Justice Responses

Abstract

Excessive control is considered by various community organizations and institutions in Canada as a form of honour-based violence (HBV), along with forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and physical or psychological violence. The excessive control of the sexuality can be represented by various acts of surveillance, prohibitions, obligations, threats and reprisals committed by her family and members of the community. Interdiction on meeting men, forced virginity testing and hymenoplasty and reproductive coercion can be examples of excessive control related to the sexuality of migrant women and girls.

The objective is to understand this phenomenon. Through this communication, we are tabling the results obtained from jurisprudential analysis ( 70 court decisions) and qualitative interviews, individual and focus groups ( 3 victims; 41 managers and 146 stakeholders in schools, youth protection and women's shelters). We will draw a picture of the situations and characteristics of excessive control of sexuality in HBV in families with an immigrant background in Canada. The specific challenges and needs of youth immigrant victims in their healing process will be presented. The results of the research will better equip the stakeholders working in a multicultural environment, more specifically with girls and women victims of HBV.

Author

• Estibaliz Jimenez, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières