Continuum of violence against women from the home to the transnational sphere: the challenges of effective redress 2011, para. 46
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Irregular women migrants, women asylum seekers and refugees are particularly vulnerable to violence in the transnational arena. During the country mission to Zambia, the Special Rapporteur was informed that female migrants, especially those engaging in sex work, are often subjected to sexual abuse and at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS due to their inability to negotiate safe sex. Also, their irregular status makes them reluctant to seek health care. Similarly, immigrant women in the United States of America often suffer higher rates of battering as they have less access to legal, social and support services. Testimonies from undocumented immigrant women living with a United States partner reveal hesitation to seek assistance from authorities when facing abuse due to fear of deportation. It was also indicated that abusers may not initiate the process to acquire permanent residence status for their foreign partner or wife as a way to maintain their power and control over these women.
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences