Revictimization, hidden scars, and building resilience in migrant women seeking international protection in Spain

Abstract

While Spanish legislation recognizes the right to protection for migrant women, this often does not translate into adequate care for their circumstances, perpetuating their revictimization, limiting their personal development in an unequal social context, and stereotyping their professional opportunities into precarious and uncertain environments. This study delves into the voices of 10 migrant women who have sought international protection in Spain and 11 socio-educational operators who support them professionally to understand the personal experiences they share, which highlight their revictimization. The analysis of the emerging categories in the results encompasses three main areas: (1) institutional revictimization, addressing systemic obstacles, professional challenges, and doubts about the credibility of migrant women; (2) social stigmatization, including their sexualization, which impacts their personal development; and (3) processes of resilience and support, emphasizing emotional suspension and the need for personal reconstruction. The discussion explores the systemic, emotional, social, professional, and health dimensions of revictimization, which goes beyond merely recounting a traumatic experience. Women face systemic barriers, stigmatization, and gender-based violence, all of which affect their emotional and psychological well-being. However, personalized socio-educational support fosters their empowerment and resilience, allowing for personal reconstruction towards well-being. The conclusion underscores the importance of operators who provide empathetic support that counters revictimization.