What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic Violence and Specific Populations:
Immigrant Women

An immigrant is someone who has moved to the United States from another country. The terms "documented" and "undocumented" refer to documents (papers) saying whether someone has the legal right to be in this country or not. Undocumented immigrants are sometimes called "illegal aliens."

Some immigrant women are brought to this country by people who lie to them and promise a good job or an arranged marriage once they get to the United States. When they arrive, however, their money and documents are taken from them and they are forced to work as prostitutes or in other jobs that demean them sexually and put them in danger. This is sometimes called "trafficking."

Your abuser may have told you that getting help would get you in trouble but really, there is a possibility that the abuser could be deported if he is arrested and is undocumented. Also, it may be possible for you to get legal status in the United States without the help of the abuser.

If you have a legal status in this country, but do not speak English well, you should know that people are there to help you. For example, the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline can help people in up to 120 languages. Some organizations and services may be able to provide interpretation for non-English-speaking people.
The agency that handles immigration is United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They used to be called Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS). As an immigrant woman, you should never call USCIS directly. You should get an attorney who specializes in immigration to help you figure things out. Your attorney can help you contact USCIS if necessary. Try to get an attorney through your domestic violence program.

You have the right to live free from violence in the home whether you are documented or undocumented. If you have been the victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, help is available. Please do not let threats to have you removed from this country stop you from getting help.

Even if you are currently undocumented, here are some things you can do to get safe:

• Call the police.
• Use domestic violence programs.
• Call rape crisis centers.
• Apply for some victim assistance funds.
• Get emergency Medicaid.
• Get treatment in emergency rooms.
• Get an order of protection.
• Apply for legal residency status in some cases.

For more information, visit the Legal Momentum website: www.legalmomentum.org and the Resources section of the OPDV publication "Domestic Violence: Finding Safety and Support" .