Nicole Feit, Supervising Attorney, was assigned to the case. She was able to secure a permanent order of protection in Family Court for Vanessa, but the help did not stop there.
Vanessa is not a US citizen, although her husband is. Reports show that many abusers that are US citizens use their status to keep their victims from reporting the abuse. According to Womenslaw.org, “Abusers may use immigration status as an extra weapon of power and control, threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement if a victim challenges or reports domestic or sexual violence. Those who are undocumented may be particularly vulnerable to this type of threat because they fear being deported if they challenge or report their abusers to law enforcement.” Nicole assisted Vanessa in applying for a VAWA Self-Petition and permanent residency, and it was approved!
Vanessa can now live, work, and support her children and in three years she can apply for US citizenship without having to endure abuse to do so.
Oftentimes clients come to LSHV due to a major life event, but our dedicated staff is trained to look at the entire picture and work toward resolving as many obstacles as possible. We provide expert, sensitive support and guidance to survivors of domestic violence to help them rebuild their lives after experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship.
Will you help us continue the fight for justice for all domestic violence survivors?
