University of Utah Study Examines Sexual Assault in Migrant Communities

Researchers at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law have published a report with a set of recommendations aimed at better protecting migrant women from domestic violence and sexual assault. The guidelines are based on the team’s extensive research on abuse faced by migrant women.

The report includes data about sexual violence in migrant communities, information from focus groups of women from these communities, and recommendations on how to deal with the extensive problem.

Erika George, a professor of law at the University of Utah, led the study. She states that the research was “seeking to understand why women who are entitled to legal protection are not seeking and getting protection.” Professor George added that “violence reaches all women but information about it is not reaching people in positions with the power to protect the most vulnerable victims. Situating this issue in the context of debates on immigration we found there are misconceptions about the visa system process that puts women’s lives at risk. We hope the report inspires members of the community to ask questions and take action to aid victims of violence.”

Professor George holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

The full 54-page report, Prevention and Protection Partnerships: Empowerment Through Rights Education, may be downloaded here.