Matriz de violencia interseccional: experiencias y trayectorias de mujeres latinoamericanas en Barcelona

In this article, we analyze the violence experienced by Latin American women in the city of Barcelona, Spain. Theoretically, we work from two frameworks of analysis. The first is the triangular model proposed by Galtung, as it highlights the interaction of different forms of violence. The second is based on intersectionality, as it locates factors of oppression that enhance situations of vulnerability. Methodologically, we held 29 semi-structured interviews with Latin American women living in the city of Barcelona between 2014-2016 and 2019-2021. This time frame responds to the stages of the two research studies that support this article. The first of these (2014-2016), undertaken in the context of doctoral research by Dr. Macarena Trujillo, analyzed the experiences of Latin American women who were heads of single-parent families. The second (2019-2021) was in the context of a postdoctoral research by Dr. Paola Contreras, who delved into how migration accentuates and/or allows the emergence of violence that aggravates such issues. Both studies were carried out in Barcelona. The sample is made up of women aged between 26 and 53 years, with and without residence permits and who mostly work in domestic and care services. The results highlight how the migratory situation operates as a catalyst for violence that, directly and indirectly, influences the formation of a matrix of intersectional violence. Based on the latter, we propose to broaden the concept of violence against migrant women due to the complexity, multiplicity, and diversity of situations they face in their migratory journey.