There are laws to protect you. Coming to a new country is always difficult. If you are a new immigrant, you may not speak English. There are new customs to learn. Often you are very homesick for family, friends, and your homeland. Fears about not knowing the language, customs, and laws can make you feel isolated. This is especially a concern if you are a woman experiencing domestic violence.

Protect Yourself and Your Children

Immigrant victims of domestic violence have legal rights and options in the United States! You have the right to be safe in your own home, to leave anyone who is abusing you, and to make decisions about your life. Call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to get the number of the domestic violence crisis center nearest you. You do not have to be in crisis to call. The crisis center staff is generally not required to contact the INS and will not contact your partner, and will be glad to help you in any way they can.

In an Emergency

Call the police at 911 if you think you or your children are in danger. If the police ask about your immigration status or where you were born, you do not have to answer. You should also call 9-1-1 in a medical emergency. The emergency room in any public hospital must give you emergency medical care, even if you are undocumented or do not have insurance.

Whether you are a documented or undocumented immigrant, domestic violence crisis help is available. It is free and confidential. Your local domestic violence crisis center can help you. You will not have to pay for their help and they are generaly not required to report to INS or any other Federal government agency and will not give any information about you to your current or former partners.

No one has the right to hurt you or your children in any way!
 

Domestic Violence Shelters

A shelter is a safe home where you and your children can stay when you are trying to leave an abusive relationship.

You can find a shelter by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); 1-800-787-3224 TTY. Interpreters are available in many languages. You can also contact the Oklahoma Safeline at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233).

There is no cost for any of these services. You can receive most services even if you are undocumented. The crisis center staff are generally not required to give information about you to the government. They will not give information about you to your partner. A staff person at the shelter or crisis center may be able to help you find out if you qualify for welfare benefits. If you do not understand what your immigration status is, call an immigration attorney. DO NOT Call the INS until after you have consulted an immigration attorney. Strongly consider following the immigration attorney's advice. You may be able to get a green card or other documentation to allow you to stay in the US without your husband, partner or employer's help or knowledge, through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). If you are undocumented and planning on getting a divorce, you should contact an immigration attorney before getting a divorce.

A divorce may change your immigration status opportunities.

Ask your immigration attorney about the immigration option that describes your situation the best:

• If your husband has never filed for your green card, or he has filed but will not continue to help you get your green card, you may be able to apply for a VAWA Self-petition.

• If you have a conditional green card and are waiting for your second interview, you may be able to apply for the Battered Spouse Waiver.

• If you are already in deportation proceedings, you may be able to apply for a Cancellation of Removal.

DO NOT contact the INS without consulting an Immigration Attorney first!
 

What is Abuse? Domestic violence is physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse between people who are married, dating, living together, or people who have ended an intimate relationship. Physical abuse includes hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, or any physical harm to you.

Sexual abuse includes forcing you to have sex or engage in any type of sexual contact against your will, even if you are married. Verbal abuse includes calling names, insults, threats, or using words to embarrass you.

Emotional abuse includes controlling where you go and who you see, controlling access to money, stopping you from getting a job or learning English, or threatening to take your children away or report you to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). If you are experiencing any of these kinds of treatment, you are not alone and it is not your fault. You can get help to free yourself and your children from violence and abuse.
 

Remember, your local crisis center can give you information and referrals. Their help is   confidential and free. Call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).