Demanding Justice: Migrant Domestic Workers and Gender Based Violence

Women migrant domestic workers face a continuum of violence, ranging from verbal abuse to severe physical abuse, rape and sexual assault, psychological abuse and bullying. They reported very poor working conditions, long hours, underpayment and non-payment of wages, racism and discrimination. Women experience a continuum of violence throughout their migration: before they leave, during pre-departure and migration phases, in places of work and upon return. Women who experienced GBV at work often cited violence and discrimination at home and from husbands and family members as a major push factor for their migration into precarious work.