There are certain types of visas that are available to offer relief to victims of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and other crimes, including T visas and U visas. In addition to those visas, which carry long wait times, there is the VAWA Act, which can provide relief to those whose abuser is the one person who could also petition for them.It is important to note that while the law is called the Violence Against Women Act, its provisions apply equally to male victims of domestic abuse. Abused men are also eligible to apply for permanent resident status under the law.
To combat this problem, the VAWA established a procedure for victims of domestic abuse to self-petition for lawful permanent resident status, as well as to apply for such a status for their dependents.

You may be eligible to seek a green card under the VAWA if you have been the victim of extreme cruelty or battery committed by your:

• U.S. citizen spouse or ex-spouse;
• U.S. citizen parent;
• U.S. citizen child;

Lawful permanent resident spouse or ex-spouse; orLawful permanent resident parent.
If you have already divorced your abuser, you have a limited window of two years in which to file your petition. The VAWA allows you to file your green card petition without notifying your abuser so that you are not put at increased risk for further abuse.

If you or your child has been victimized by domestic abuse and you would like to learn more about seeking protection under the VAWA, contact our office at 508-388-2999 for a consultation with a compassionate member of our team today.