Our Immigration Services

VAWA

Have you been impacted by abuse or violence? Get help with legal solutions and support

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides immigration relief for individuals who have suffered abuse at the hands of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.

At Saavedra and Perez Law, we understand the courage it takes to seek help, and we are committed to providing compassionate, confidential support to help you secure your independence and safety in the United States.

VAWA Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for relief under VAWA, you must meet one of the following criteria:

Relationship to Abuser:

Be the spouse of a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
Be divorced within 2 years from a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
Be the parent of a US Citizen over the age of 21
Be the child of a US Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident

Residence with Abuser:

You should have resided with the abusive family member at some point.

Evidence of Abuse:

You must provide evidence of having been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member.

Good Moral Character:

You are required to demonstrate good moral character during the relevant period.

If you believe you meet these criteria, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation to explore your legal options.

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Types of Abuse That May Qualify for VAWA Protection

Here are some examples of abusive behaviors that could qualify under VAWA.

Physical Abuse:

This includes acts where physical harm is inflicted upon you, such as hitting, slapping, punching, pushing, or any other form of physical assault. It can also involve actions like throwing objects at you, forcefully restraining you, or slamming doors to intimidate or harm you.

Sexual Abuse:

This form of abuse involves forcing you to engage in sexual acts without your consent, including marital rape, attacks on sexual parts of the body, or forcing you to engage in prostitution.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse:

Often less visible but equally harmful, this includes actions that demean, threaten, or manipulate you, such as:

Mocking your appearance, cultural background, language skills, or abilities.
Isolating you from friends, family, or access to outside support.
Restricting your movements, including prohibiting you from leaving the house or obtaining employment.
Manipulative tactics like gaslighting, where the abuser makes you question your own memory or perception of events.

Financial Abuse:

This involves controlling your financial resources to limit your ability to act independently. Examples include:

Withholding or stealing your earnings or bank funds.
Denying you access to money or credit cards.
Forbidding you from working or taking your paycheck against your will.

Verbal Abuse

The use of words to cause harm, such as derogatory comments, insults, or threats. This can include screaming, yelling, or using language intended to be hurtful or threatening. It also covers threats of deportation or harm, using your immigration status as leverage.

Legal and Administrative Abuse:

Exploiting legal or administrative systems to inflict suffering or control over you, such as threatening to withdraw sponsorship of legal status, or falsely accusing you of violating laws to instigate legal troubles.

If you have examples and don’t see them listed here, give us a call and we can give you a confidential consultation.

What are the benefits of Seeking VAWA status?

Independent Immigration Status:

You can self-petition for legal status without the involvement or knowledge of your abuser, helping protect your safety and privacy.

Work Authorization:

Once your petition is approved, you are eligible to work legally in the U.S.

Permanent Residency:

VAWA petitioners can eventually apply to adjust their status to become lawful permanent residents.

If you have any unmarried children over 21, your lawyer may be able to include them as beneficiaries in your application. If the application is approved, your children will be granted immigrant classification.

Saavedra & Perez’s VAWA Services Include:

Confidential Legal Consultation:

We provide a secure and private environment to discuss your situation and explore your options under VAWA.
Every discussion is strictly confidential, ensuring your safety and privacy.

Preparation and Filing of Your VAWA Petition:

Our skilled attorneys will help you gather necessary documentation and evidence of abuse, ensuring your petition is strong and persuasive.
We handle all aspects of filing your petition, keeping you informed at every step.

Ongoing Support and Advocacy:

We support you throughout the USCIS process and any related legal proceedings.
Our team is here to offer emotional support and legal guidance to ensure you feel empowered and secure.

Adjustment of Status and Future Planning:

Once eligible, we assist you in adjusting your status to that of a lawful permanent resident.
We also provide guidance on family reunification and other immigration-related opportunities.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know is enduring abuse and seeking independence, reach out to Saavedra and Perez Law for a confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate your legal options and begin a new chapter in a safe and supportive environment.

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