• Introduction
• Immigrant women in the United States
• Sexual violence in immigrant communities
  • Sexual Assault
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Sexual violence during the process of immigration
  • Trafficking
  • Borders & Detention
• Barriers to accessing services
• Services to the survivors of sexual violence
  • Legal protections available: VAWA, U Visa, T Visa
  • Health Issues and Immediate Medical Services
  • Advocacy
  • Community Assessment
  • Language And Literacy
• Organizations

• Immigrant Women in the United States: A Demographic Portrait PDF (28 p.) by Susan C. Pearce, American Immigration Law Foundation, Immigration Policy Center (2006)
  The following report discusses the migration of women to the United States while considering how that experience differs for men and women. [More Info]

• Immigrant Women HTML (4 p.) by Elizabeth Grieco, Migration Policy Institute (2002)
  Since the early 1990s, there have been more female than male immigrants to the United States. This spotlight examines some of the characteristics of this important group of immigrants. [More Info]

• Not a Minute More: Ending Violence Against Women PDF (114 p.) by United Nations Development Fund for Women (2003)
  This publication surveys gender-based violence from various nations around the world to provide an in-depth picture of the various forms of violence experienced by women. [More Info]

• Global Perspectives on Sexual Violence: Findings from the World Report on Violence and Health PDF (20 p.) by National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2004)
  This report seeks to offer a glimpse of the "serious global public health problem" that is sexual violence as well as promising practices and opportunities for those working to end sexual violence. [More Info]

Sexual Assault

• Refugee and Asylum Seeking Women Affected by Rape or Sexual Violence: a Literature Review PDF (66 p.) by Refugee Council (February 2009)
  The review summarizes the learning from the Refugee Council Vulnerable Women’s Project and situates that learning within the wider context of what is known about rape and sexual violence. [More Info]

• Power and Control Tactics used against Immigrant Women PDF (3 p.) by Family Violence Prevention Fund
  This document describes some of the tactics used to abuse immigrant women. These include emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, using coercion and threat, intimidation, isolation, and blaming women for inciting violence. [More Info]

• NCRW Big Five: Under the Radar – Immigrant Women and Violence PDF (3 p.) by The National Council for Research on Women
  This document notes that intimate partner violence and exploitative work conditions are the two most common forms of abuse experienced by immigrant women. However, language, cultural, economic and legal barriers intersect and prevent help-seeking. [More Info]

• Abuses Endured by a Woman During Her Life Cycle PDF (1 p.) by Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence (2000)
  This document is an illustration describing the violence that may happen throughout the lives of Asian and Pacific Islander women during the life stages of infancy, childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, adulthood and later life. [More Info]

• Nowhere to Turn? Responding to Partner Violence against Immigrant and Visible Minority Women PDF (51 p.) by Voices of Frontline Workers (2004)
  This paper examines the particular vulnerabilities of immigrant and minority women who have experienced violence by their partners. [More Info]

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

• Use of Indicators in the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), 2nd edition PDF (98 p.) by Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (2003)
  This collection of indicators was designed to assist anti-female genital mutilation (FGM) efforts in outreach initiatives, training, advocacy, and program evaluation. [More Info]

• Legislation on Female Genital Mutilation in the United States PDF (16 p.) by Center for Reproductive Rights (November 2004)
  This document defines various forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) and provides details on federal and state legislation on FGM. [More Info]

• Asylum Law and Female Genital Mutilation: Recent Developments PDF (5 p.) by Congressional Research Service (CRS) Intelligence and Related Issues (February 2008)
  This article summarizes the legal controversy surrounding FGM and asylum. [More Info]

• Prevalence of the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); Laws Prohibiting FGM and Their Enforcement; Recommendations on How to Best Work to Eliminate FGM PDF (51 p.) by Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women's Issues, Office of the Under Secretary for Global Affairs, U.S. Department of State (2001)
  This report provides detail on types and prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM), as well as the responses of various countries and the international community to the practice. [More Info]

• Female Genital Mutilation PDF (4 p.) by American Academy of Pediatrics (1998)
  Immigrants in the United States from areas where female genital mutilation (FGM) is endemic may have daughters who have undergone a ritual genital procedure or may request that a procedure be performed by a physician. [More Info]

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) PDF (5 p.) by International Council of Nurses (February 2008)
  This fact sheet details various types of female genital mutilation (FGM) and lists sociological reasons as to why the practice persists. [More Info]

• Eliminating Female genital mutilation: An interagency statement PDF (47 p.) by OHCHR, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNECA, UNESCO,UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIFEM, & WHO (2008)
  This joint Statement is a call to all States, international and national organizations, civil society and communities to uphold the rights of girls and women. [More Info]

Trafficking

• Global Report on Trafficking in Persons PDF (292 p.) by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2008)
  Based on data gathered from 155 countries, this report offers the first global assessment of the scope of human trafficking. [More Info]

• Sex Trafficking of Women in the United States: International and Domestic Trends PDF (140 p.) by Co-principal investigators Janice G. Raymond and Donna M. Hughes, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (March 2001)
  Research concentrates on the trafficking of women within the US. Topics include sections that define the problem of human trafficking, research aims and methods, operations of the sex industry, and the background of women in the sex industry in the US. [More Info]

• Trafficking in Persons Report HTML by United States Department of State (2008)
  Including information about 170 countries, this is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. [More Info]

• The Exploitation of Trafficked Women PDF (100 p.) by Graeme R. Newman, Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice (2006)
  This guidebook is designed for law enforcement officials working with victims of trafficking; the four stages of human trafficking are discussed and recommendations for the response to victims of trafficking are addressed. [More Info]

• Human Trafficking: Sexual Exploitation, Prostitution and Brokered Marriages HTML (40 p.) by Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) and Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (October 2007)
  This special edition of WCASA's Connections and WCADV's Educational Journal looks at the relationship between trafficking, sexual violence, and the sex industry through several articles. [More Info]

• Report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights aspects of the victims of trafficking in persons, especially women and children HTML (22 p.) by Sigma Huda, Special Rapporteur, A/HRC/4/23 (January 2007)
  This article addresses the issue of “forced marriage” through the context of trafficking in persons by defining its nature and forms and by analyzing its foundation as a reason for or a result of trafficking. Protection and prevention measures discussed. [More Info]

• Taking Stock: A review of the existing research on trafficking for sexual exploitation PDF (88 p.) by Guri Tyldum, Marianne Tveit, and Anette Brunovskis, Fafo (2005)
  This document reviews the current knowledge on trafficking for sexual exploitation to and within Europe, giving an overview of and insight into the main trends in research in this field. [More Info]

• Human Trafficking: Modern Enslavement of Immigrant Women in the United States PDF (4 p.) by Women's Rights Project (2007)
  This fact sheet is in a question and answer format. Some of the questions along with their answers are: What is human trafficking? What drives the trafficking industry? What judicial remedies are available to victims of trafficking? [More Info]

• Hidden Slaves: Forced Labor in the United States PDF (73 p.) by Free the Slaves and Human Rights Center, University of California, Berkeley (September 2004)
  This research study covers the nature and scope of forced labor in the United States, focuses on particular efforts to understand and address the problem, and recommends measures to improve the US response and assistance. [More Info]

Borders & Detention

• Borders on Belonging: Gender and Immigration HTM by Barnard Center for Research on Women (Summer 2008)
  This web journal examines the role that mainstream media plays in perpetuating negative stereotypes and widespread fear of immigrants. [More Info]

• Sexual Abuse in U.S. Immigration Detention PDF (2 p.) by Just Detention International (January 2009)
  This brief fact sheet talks about the risk of sexual abuse that immigration detainees face and the difficulty of seeking assistance. [More Info]

• No Refuge Here: A First Look at Sexual Abuse in Immigration Detention PDF (34 p.) by Stop Prisoner Rape (2004)
  This report provides information about the sexual abuse of immigrants while in detention centers in the United States. [More Info]

• Refugee Women at Risk: Unfair U.S. Laws Hurt Asylum Seekers PDF (24 p.) by Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (2002)
  This report details the U.S. government's treatment of refugee women seeking asylum in the United States. [More Info]

• The World in Motion: Short Essays on Migration and Gender PDF (122 p.) by International Office on Migration (IOM) (2004)
  This book looks at migration and selects moments in time, past and present, through the experience of women. It includes a chapter on Facing Rape in War. [More Info]

• Comparative Study of Women Trafficked in the Migration Process PDF (245 p.) by Janice G. Raymond, Jean D'Cunha, Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, H. Patricia Hynes, Zoraida Ramirez Rodriguez, and Aida Santos, Organization of American States
  This study describes the patterns, profiles and health consequences of sexual exploitation in five countries: Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Venezuela and the United States. [More Info]

• Behind Locked Doors: Abuse of Refugee Women at the Krome Detention Center HTML (35 p.) by Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children (2000)
  This report discusses physical, psychological, and sexual abuse of detainees at the Krome Service Processing Center, a detention center operated by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) near Miami, Florida. [More Info]

• Crossing Borders: An Empirical Study of Transnational Prostitution and Trafficking in Human Beings PDF (136 p.) by Anette Brunovskis & Guri Tyldum, Fafo (2004)
  This report presents the results of a study of transnational prostitution and trafficking in women. [More Info]

• Sexual Assault within Refugee and Immigrant communities HTML (2 p.) by Tapestri
  This page talks about some of the cultural considerations that might face immigrant women and refugees who are sexually assaulted. [More Info]

• Overcoming Cultural Barriers in Working with Immigrant Battered Women PDF (4 p.) by Legal Momentum (1998)
  This information sheet for advocates provides tips for understanding and becoming sensitive to the barriers faced by immigrant women in seeking safety from domestic violence. [More Info]

• The Facts on Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence: Battered immigrant women face many difficult barriers ASP (12 p.) by Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
  The following article talks about some of the barriers and challenges that might face immigrant women and refugees who are sexually assaulted. [More Info]

Legal protections available: VAWA, U Visa, T Visa

• No Free Pass to Harass: Protecting the Rights of Undocumented Immigrant Women Workers in Sexual Harassment Cases PDF (40 p.) by ACLU Women’s Rights Project and National Employment Law Project (2007)
  This guide is intended as a tool for effective litigation of sexual harassment claims brought on behalf of immigrant women workers. [More Info]

• U Visas: Immigration Relief for Victims of Certain Crimes, Frequently Asked Questions HTML (5 p.) DOC (6 p.) by Immigrant Legal Resource Center/ASISTA
  This fact sheet provides brief answers to frequently asked questions about the U Visa, created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000. [More Info]

• U Visa Fact Sheet PDF (6 p.) by Legal Momentum: Immigrant Women Program (IWP)
  This fact sheet provides information on the U visa, the individuals it covers, procedures, benefits, and the need for certification and who can provide this. [More Info]

• U Visa Interim Regulations Fact Sheet and Guidance PDF (7 p.) by National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women (2007)
  This document presents information about U visa requirements. [More Info]

• Screening for the Civil Legal Needs of Sexual Assault Victims PDF (5 p.) by Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) (2006)
  This document provides a sample of screening questions that may be helpful in starting a conversation with a victim of sexual assault about her or his potential civil legal needs. [More Info]

• Assisting Immigrant Victims of Sexual Assault PDF (57 p.) by Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) (June 2006)
  This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview on how to better serve immigrant victims of sexual violence, the difference between domestic violence and sexual assault immigration remedies, T and U visas, and LGBT issues. [More Info]

• Legal Advocacy for Immigrant Survivors of Sexual Assault PDF (11 p.) by Legal Momentum (2005)
  These slides include information on the immigration status and the barriers to services for immigrant survivors and how to address these barriers and fears. [More Info]

Health Issues and Immediate Medical Services

• Clinical Protocol: Victims of Abuse DOC (2 p.) by Migrant Clinicians Network
  This sample clinical protocol describes how the clinic works with patients who are suspected of being victims of abuse. [More Info]

• The World Health Report 2008 - Primary Health Care: Now More Than Ever PDF (148 p.) by World Health Organization (2008)
  This report combines an expert assessment of global health, including statistics relating to all countries, with a focus on primary health care. [More Info]

• Medical Interpreter Competency Checklist DOC (2 p.) by Migrant Clinicians Network (May 2005)
  This checklist provides guidelines and evaluation for medical interpreters. [More Info]

• The Health Risks and Consequences of Trafficking in Women and Adolescents: Findings from a European Study PDF (130 p.) by Cathy Zimmerman, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (2003)
  Drawing upon a two-year international study, this report explores health risks, health consequences, and barriers to services encountered by trafficked women. [More Info]

• Diverse Communities, Diverse Experiences: A Review of Six Socioeconomic Indicators and Their Impact on Health PDF (44 p.) by The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)
  This report focuses on the following six socioeconomic indicators influencing health status: Language, Income and Poverty, Educational Attainment, Immigration and Citizenship, Health Workforce, and Other Household Indicators. [More Info]

Advocacy

• Introduction to Immigration Relief for Immigrant Victims of Sexual Abuse and Glossary of Terms DOC (42 p.) by Leslye E. Orloff, Joanne Lin, and Deborah Birnbaum (2007)
  This training manual is directed at advocates and attorneys and provides an overview of immigration laws and options available to immigrant women who have been sexually abused. [More Info]

• The Vulnerable Women’s Project Good Practice Guide: Assisting Refugee and Asylum Seeking Women affected by Rape or Sexual Violence PDF (20 p.) by Refugee Council (February 2009)
  This guide explains the Refugee Council approach to best practice in caring for women who have been subject to sexual violence, including rape. [More Info]

• Eliminating Barriers to Services for Latina Survivors of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence PDF (8 p.) by Alianza Latina en Contra la Agresión Sexual (ALAS)/Latina Alliance Against Sexual Aggression (Adopted May 2004)
  This is a position statement which defines the challenges faced by Latina survivors and advocates working on their behalf, and presents recommendations for eliminating these barriers. [More Info]

• WHO Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Interviewing Trafficked Women PDF (36 p.) by Cathy Zimmerman and Charlotte Watts, World Health Organization (2003)
  This report is designed to help service providers, researchers, and members of the media understand the dynamics of trafficking and adopt ethical interviewing practices with trafficking victims. [More Info]

• Human Rights Protections Applicable to Women Migrant Workers PDF (50 p.) by United Nations Development Fund for Women (2003)
  This briefing paper is intended to provide some tools for human rights advocates working to advance the rights of women migrant workers. [More Info]

• Reaching Migrant Farm Workers: A Technical Assistance Bulletin for Sexual Assault Advocates and Counselors PDF (11 p.) by Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (2007)
  This bulletin provides information about sexual violence against migrant farm workers in the US, risk factors and barriers, legal rights, and highlights the outreach and advocacy efforts of the Latino Program of Survivors, Inc. in Adams County, PA. [More Info]

• Culture Handbook PDF (28 p.) by Sujata Warrier, Family Violence Prevention Fund (2005)
  This handbook highlights the importance of culture and provides guidance to develop cultural competency at the individual and organizational levels. [More Info]

• Prevention of Sexual Violence Against Immigrant and Refugee Communities HTML (4 p.) by California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (2003)
  This excerpt from CALCASA’s “Breaking Barriers: Immigration Issues and Sexual Assault Prevention” provides a short overview of different locations where outreach can be done to immigrant and refugee communities. [More Info]

• How to Obtain U Interim Relief: A Brief Manual for Advocates Assisting Immigrant Victims of Crime PDF (59 p.) by Sally Kinoshita, Immigrant Legal Resource Center (2005)
  This manual provides U Visa information for advocates who assist victims of crime, including domestic violence. [More Info]

• Building Bridges to Stop Violence against Immigrant Women: Effective Strategies & Promising Models for Reaching and Serving Immigrant Women PDF (103 p.) by Voices for Change: Immigrant Women & State Policy, Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, University at Albany (March 2004)
  Developed to share the lessons of two NY regional workshops, this document describes the barriers facing immigrant victims, as well as effective service models and strategies to overcome those barriers. [More Info]

• Building Community Strength: A Report About Community-Based Organizations Serving South Asians in the United States PDF (32 p.) by Takoma Park, South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT) (2007)
  This report highlights successful practices and offers recommendations for stakeholders to better assist South Asian organizations. [More Info]

• Special for Immigrant Women HTML (3 p.) by Marie De Santis, Women's Justice Center/ Centro de Justicia Para Mujeres
  This article provides information about U.S. federal law concerning immigrant women who experience domestic and sexual violence and encourages immigrant women to seek help for domestic violence. [More Info]

• Investing in Our Communities: Strategies for Immigrant Integration HTML by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees Integration (2006)
  This easy-to-understand guide describes how grantmakers at all levels can play an important leadership role. [More Info]

• Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocate Handbook on Human Trafficking, 2nd Edition PDF (24 p.) by Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2004)
  This document produced by the FCADV Trafficking Project, designed to aid domestic and sexual violence advocates in working with victims of trafficking and in better understanding the issues involved with trafficking. [More Info]

• Online Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons HTML by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2009)
  The 123 tools contained in this Toolkit offer guidance, recommended resources, and promising practices to policymakers, law enforcers, judges, prosecutors, victim service providers and members of civil society. [More Info]

• The Crime of Human Trafficking: A Law Enforcement Guide to Identification and Investigation PDF (24 p.) by International Association of Chiefs of Police (2006)
  This is a guide for law enforcement officials working to secure protection and assistance for victims of trafficking that provides guidance in investigation and prosecution of offenders. [More Info]

• Hope for Healing: Information for Survivors of Sexual Assault in Detention PDF (31 p.) by Stop Prisoner Rape (2006)
  This publication is written for men and women who have survived sexual assault in prisons, jails, or other forms of detention. It offers general information about sexual abuse as well as information about the healing process. [More Info]

Community Assessment

• Sex Trafficking Needs Assessment for the State of Minnesota PDF (207 p.) by The Advocates for Human Rights (September 2008)
  The report reveals that often the response of law enforcement is ineffective and the needs of trafficked persons remain unmet. Includes recommendations to address the barriers to an effective, coordinated response. [More Info]

• Building Community Strength: A Report About Community-Based Organizations Serving South Asians in the United States PDF (32 p.) by Takoma Park, South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow (SAALT) (2007)
  This report highlights successful practices and offers recommendations for stakeholders to better assist South Asian organizations. [More Info]

Language And Literacy

• Models for the Provision of Language Access in Health Care Settings PDF (24 p.) by Bruce Downing and Cynthia E. Roat, The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (2002)
  This document suggests various accommodations for non-English speaking clients in health care settings, with special emphasis on Spanish-speaking clients. [More Info]

• The Multilingual Access Model: A Model for Outreach and Services in Non-English Speaking Communities PDF (75 p.) by Beckie Masaki, Mimi Kim and Christy Chung, Asian Women's Shelter, San Francisco (1999)
  This project recruited and trained bicultural-bilingual advocates from area ethnic communities to provide assistance to victims and initiate outreach and awareness activities in their communities. Assistance to 6 providers created an area access plan. [More Info]

• Reaching Individuals Along All Literacy Levels PDF (5 p.) by Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (September 2006)
  This technical assistance bulletin is intended to support counselors/advocates and prevention educators in reaching individuals along all literacy levels. [More Info]