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Victims of Domestic Violence (VAWA)

HomeFamiliesVictims of Domestic Violence (VAWA)

The Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, is a law passed by Congress to protect all immigrants (not just women) from domestic violence committed against them by their spouses, children, or parents.  In order to qualify for protections under VAWA, the abuser must be a US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) spouse, adult child, or parent.  Domestic violence is not just physical violence, but verbal and emotional abuse as well.

You may be eligible for protections under VAWA if you:

  • Have suffered battery or extreme cruelty by your US citizen or LPR spouse, adult child, or parent
    • If the abuser was your spouse, you must have been legally married to him or her, or thought you were legally married through no fault of your own and you entered into your marriage in good faith
  • Have resided with your abusive relative
  • Are a person of good moral character

If you believe your circumstances qualify under VAWA, you should consult with an experienced family immigration attorney who can do a thorough screening of your immigration history. Contact us at Bashyam Shah LLP to schedule the consultation today.