Rethinking polyvictimization of migrant children in Chile

Abstract

Victimization affects many aspects of the lives of migrant children and adolescents in Chile and can be associated with variables of national origin, territory, age, and sex. The objective of this article is to identify the different types of victimization suffered, often simultaneously, in order to discuss the relevance of the polyvictimization approach. An internationally validated quantitative questionnaire was adapted to the local reality and applied to a sample of 136 migrant children and adolescents aged between 6 and 17 and resident in the four regions of the country with the largest migrant populations. We conclude that migrant children suffer primarily from indirect victimization within their neighborhoods, along with discrimination and violence from their peers. This is combined with emerging forms of victimization by institutions and within the family.