Resources: Sexual & Domestic Violence
Government support for survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault
VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows survivors of violence whose spouse is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident to pursue a family-based immigration petition on their own, without relying on the abuser to sponsor them.
Details
U-Visas
The U visa is an immigration status available to victims of violent crimes who cooperate with law enforcement in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime.
FAQ: US Citizenship and Immigration Services
T-Visas
The T visa is an immigration status available to victims of human trafficking. Individuals brought into the country for commercial or sexual exploitation who cooperate with law enforcement may be eligible.
Domestic Violence Links
Multicultural Immigrant Coalition Against Violence
RISE Programs and Contacts (http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Multicultural+%26+Specific+Populations&L3=Refugees+and+Asylees&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_com_health_violence_c_sapss_rise_program&csid=Eeohhs2)
Victim Rights Law Center (http://www.victimrights.org/)
Jane Doe Inc (www.janedoe.org)
Mass Legal Help (http://www.masslegalhelp.org/domestic-violence/immigration-rights)
Multicultural Immigrant Coalition Against Violence


