Strategies to End Double Violence Against Undocumented Women

Across the EU, undocumented women are turned away from women’s shelters and risk arrest or deportation if they contact the police. As one social worker in Belgium explained, “Undocumented women often stay in their situation of violence until they’re beaten to death because they don’t dare to go to the police or ask for help.”

To address this urgent situation, PICUM’s report provides an overview of the laws, practices and partnerships that respect rights and ensure justice for all women in Europe without discrimination. It shows what works, where, and how it came about.

Responding to the growing recognition to place women’s protection needs ahead of their migration status, PICUM shows how this can be done practically, coherently and in accordance with the duties of law enforcement, legislators, civil society, and policymakers.

The examples in this report are a testimony to the agency, capacity and impact of migrant women themselves in bringing about change. As one undocumented woman told PICUM, “We will continue to fight for our rights, for rights of all migrants; especially for those working hard in this country.” 

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