Venezuelan Migrants in Prostitution: A Personal Decision?

This paper explores the multifaceted experiences of Venezuelan migrant women engaged in prostitution, framed through three critical moments: the “decision to enter in prostitution,” the unique abuses faced, and the resultant consequences on mental, physical, and social health. The study highlights how socioeconomic vulnerabilities—exacerbated by migration and poverty—significantly influence the likelihood of entering prostitution. It also shows how traumatic experiences, particularly in childhood and adolescence, coupled with a lack of support networks, contribute to a heightened risk of exploitation. Eleven life stories were collected through a phenomenological approach, revealing a common narrative of abuse, poverty, and the search for survival in a foreign country. The findings underscore that prostitution is not merely a personal choice, but a complex phenomenon shaped by structural inequalities and systemic violence. Overall, the research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to aid these women in overcoming the profound challenges they face, both during and after their involvement in prostitution.