London, December 06, 2025
Single migrant women traveling to Europe face an alarming risk of rape and sexual exploitation, especially when using irregular migration routes or living in vulnerable conditions. This ongoing crisis threatens the safety and dignity of thousands seeking a better life across the continent.
High Prevalence of Sexual Violence
Research from Sweden reveals that young migrants experience rape at more than twice the national rate, with about 9% reporting sexual assault compared to 4% in the general population. Migrant women and girls are particularly vulnerable throughout every migration stage due to limited protection and support systems.
Risks During Migration Transit
Irregular migration pathways, such as those passing through Libya or across the Mediterranean, expose women and girls to severe gender-based violence. Estimates from UN Women indicate that up to 90% of migrant females endure rape during transit, frequently at the hands of smugglers or other perpetrators exploiting their precarious situation. LGBTQ+ migrants also face disproportionate threats along these routes.
Exploitation in European Destinations
Upon arrival, many female migrant workers confront ongoing sexual abuse and exploitation. Cases documented among Moroccan women working in Spain’s strawberry fields under temporary visas highlight conditions of isolation and legal uncertainty that increase dependency and vulnerability. Such environments allow for systemic abuse that often remains unreported.
Systemic Barriers to Protection
Language barriers, fear of deportation, social isolation, and a lack of legal knowledge discourage many migrant women from reporting sexual violence. Some EU asylum centers maintain mixed-sex accommodations, inadvertently raising risks of abuse. Furthermore, insufficient data collection on sexual violence against migrants impedes the development of targeted protective measures.
Broader Context of Displacement-Related Gender-Based Violence
Sexual violence remains a both cause and consequence of displacement worldwide. Recognition of these gendered vulnerabilities has grown within humanitarian and asylum frameworks, yet implementation of comprehensive protections remains limited. Addressing these intersecting risks requires coordinated policy responses, safe migration pathways, and survivor-centered support services.
This ongoing challenge underscores the urgent need for governments, civil society, and international organizations to strengthen legal protections and safe migration frameworks. Ensuring the rights and safety of single migrant women is essential to uphold human dignity and social justice across Europe.