Legal Support Through VAWA for Domestic Violence Victims in York

How We Can Help Protect Victims Who Qualify for VAWA

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was a landmark act that was passed in 1994. It created the first U.S. federal legislation that acknowledged domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes and gave federal resources to facilitate responses to violence. Even though the act is titled the Violence Against Women Act, it can also help spouses (both men and women) and children of U.S. citizens. The act offers special protections to non-citizens who find themselves in domestic violence situations.

In order to qualify for VAWA, a battered immigrant must be the spouse or child of an abusive U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If this sounds like you, VAWA can help you obtain a green card without the knowledge of your abuser. Through VAWA, you can file a self-petition and a requisite supporting documentation. In order file for a green card through VAWA, you will need to prove the following pieces of evidence:

• Your relationship to your abuser
• The immigrant status of your abuser
• Your residence with your abuser
• That you entered into the marriage in good faith (if the abuser is your spouse)
• That the abuse occurred, such as physical abuse, violent acts or threats of violence, verbal abuse and degradation, sexual abuse or exploitation, intimidation, isolation, economic abuse, coercion or threats against any children involved

How Will an Immigration Attorney Help You File for VAWA Protection?

If the thought of gathering these pieces of information feels stressful to you, know that the support you need is out there. Our team at The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh extends compassion to anyone who is in an abusive situation, and that is why we will work diligently to get victims the protections they need. We will not only help you gather the documents you need to file, but we will also make sure they are well-written and convincing.

We understand this process can be intimidating, and that is why we are here to support you along your journey to freedom from your abuser. If you are trying to file for a green card through VAWA, you probably have a lot on your plate, and having an immigration attorney by your side can take some of the burden off of your shoulders. For example, we can interview witnesses and write declarations on their behalf. Sometimes, it simply helps to have a reliable place where you can trust all of your documents will be secure, and you can find that space in our office and with our team.

One of the most important ways an immigration attorney can help you through this process is by helping protect you from contact with your abuser. We can request information and documents on your behalf so you do not need to interact with them. Of course, we will keep the necessary and desired level of confidentiality about the details of your situation.

If you have been placed in removal proceedings, when we defend your rights in your abusive situation, we will be working towards VAWA cancellation of removal. VAWA cancellation of removal is the ultimate goal, and it is a form of relief that prevents victims from being deported. Cancellation of removal will mean that you get permanent Lawful Permanent Residence, or LPR status. Nobody deserves to find themselves in an abusive situation, but if you have, you deserve to protect the life you’ve built. The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh will help you do exactly that.

If you are an immigrant who is dealing with domestic violence in York, The Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh can provide legal support. Call us at (717) 921-4042 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.