Survivors of domestic violence who apply for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) often carry a heavy burden. They must show not only that the abuse happened but that they meet the specific legal requirements of the program. For many applicants, law enforcement records play a key role in supporting their case.
But what exactly do these records include? Are they required? And what if you never called the police? In this post, we’ll explain how law enforcement reports can help strengthen a VAWA petition, while also clarifying what other types of evidence can be used if no report was ever filed.
What VAWA Requires From Petitioners
VAWA allows certain noncitizens who have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child to apply for legal immigration status on their own. This means you do not need your abuser’s knowledge or permission to apply.
To qualify, you must meet several requirements:
- You have a qualifying relationship with the abuser
- The abuser is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- You resided with the abuser at some point
- You suffered battery or extreme cruelty
- You are a person of good moral character
While every requirement matters, proving that you experienced battery or extreme cruelty is often the most complex part. That’s where law enforcement documentation can help.
How Police Reports Support a VAWA Case
When someone calls the police after an incident of domestic violence, the responding officers usually create a written report. This report may describe what happened, include statements from those involved, and sometimes reference physical injuries or signs of distress. In some cases, it will lead to criminal charges or a restraining order.
For VAWA purposes, even a basic police report can be useful. It helps confirm that:
- The abuse was serious enough to involve law enforcement
- The survivor took steps to protect themselves
- There is a clear timeline of events
- Someone other than the petitioner documented the incident
A police report is considered objective evidence. It shows that the situation was not just a private claim but involved third-party authorities. This can carry weight with the immigration officer reviewing the VAWA petition.
What if You Only Have One Report?
Many survivors worry that one police report isn’t enough. In truth, even a single incident can meet the VAWA standard, depending on the facts. VAWA does not require a pattern of physical violence. One act of physical abuse or multiple incidents of emotional cruelty may be sufficient.
That said, it’s helpful if the report is detailed and consistent with other evidence in your case. For example, if you also have hospital records, photographs, or therapist notes, these can help support the version of events in the report.
Can You File a VAWA Petition Without a Police Report?
Yes. There is no legal requirement that a VAWA petitioner must have called the police. USCIS understands that many survivors do not report abuse to law enforcement for valid reasons—fear, cultural pressure, financial dependence, or immigration concerns.
If you never contacted the police, your petition can still be approved if you provide strong alternative evidence, such as:
- Personal affidavits explaining the abuse
- Statements from therapists, doctors, social workers, or clergy
- Photos of injuries or damaged property
- Protective orders (civil or criminal)
- Witness statements from friends, neighbors, or coworkers
- Counseling records or mental health evaluations
The key is to show that the abuse—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—was serious and had a significant effect on your life.
How Law Enforcement Reports Can Affect the Overall Picture
When available, law enforcement records help create a fuller picture of the abuse. They may show a pattern of escalating behavior, multiple calls to police, or a history of restraining orders. All of this helps demonstrate that the abuse was not isolated or exaggerated.
In some cases, police reports also confirm your credibility. If your affidavit says you were attacked on a certain date and the police report shows that they responded to your home that same night, it reinforces your account.
Reports may also support claims of emotional cruelty. Even if your abuser was never charged, an incident where officers noted verbal threats, controlling behavior, or fear in the home can still help your case.
Dealing With Reports That Include Conflicting Information
Sometimes survivors hesitate to include police reports because they don’t reflect the full truth. In moments of panic or fear, it’s common for victims to minimize what happened, protect the abuser, or say nothing at all.
If your police report doesn’t match your current statement, that doesn’t automatically hurt your case. You can explain what was happening at the time. Maybe you were afraid to say more. Maybe the officer didn’t understand you or speak your language. USCIS officers are trained to understand these dynamics.
It’s often helpful to include a written explanation with your petition that addresses any inconsistencies, especially if they involve earlier statements made to law enforcement.
Working With an Attorney Can Strengthen Your Case
Gathering and presenting evidence for a VAWA petition is not easy. It requires care, strategy, and understanding of how USCIS evaluates abuse. An immigration attorney can help you:
- Request copies of police reports from local law enforcement
- Review what the reports say and how they may help or hurt your case
- Organize your other evidence in a clear and convincing way
- Draft affidavits that support your account
- Prepare a complete and accurate VAWA petition
Your lawyer can also help respond to any requests for additional evidence if USCIS asks for more information.
What to Do If You Need Law Enforcement Records
If you think you may have a helpful police report but don’t have a copy, you can usually request one from the police department that handled the case. Some departments may require ID or charge a small fee. If you have an attorney, they can make this request for you.
Be sure to give them as much information as possible, such as the date of the incident, the name of the abuser, and the location. In some jurisdictions, older records may take longer to obtain.
Your Story Matters Even Without a Report
While police reports can add weight to your VAWA petition, your voice is the most important part of the application. USCIS knows that survivors face many barriers when it comes to calling the police. Your written statement, supported by any documentation you can provide, still has the power to move your petition forward.
At Saavedra & Perez Law, we help survivors navigate the VAWA process with dignity and support. Whether you have multiple police reports or none at all, we work with you to build the strongest possible case for immigration relief. You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help you take the next step toward safety and stability.