By NCI
If you are a victim of violence in the United States, you can apply for legal status in the country. But you must report it.
“When a person is a victim of violence and does not report it out of fear, it is impossible for them to apply for a visa,” says Monica Delay, Director, Mil Mujeres San Diego, “because they must have legal proof that they were indeed a victim.”
Mil Mujeres is a nonprofit organization with more than 17 years of experience providing immigration services to victims of domestic violence, violent crimes, and sexual and criminal assault in the United States, helping them obtain U visas, VAWA, T visas, SIJS, adjustment of status, work permits, citizenship, DACA, asylum, family petitions, and cancellation of deportation.
Mil Mujeres
202-808-3311
Emergency Number: 888-441-1189
Oficina dentro del Consulado de México en San Diego · Office in the Mexican Consulate: lunes, miércoles, viernes, con o sin cita · Monday, Wednesday, Friday, with or without appointment
770 First Ave., San Diego: martes y jueves, solo con cita · Office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays, by appointment only.
“To all women who have suffered violence or a crime, you are not alone. There is help available. There are rights that protect you. Fear should not be an obstacle to seeking justice,” says Delay. “If you have been a victim of crime in the United States, report it, seek support, and don’t let uncertainty prevent you from protecting yourself and your family, especially if you have children.”
Tips
- For a U Visa, the person who abused you doesn’t have to be a US citizen.
- The violence doesn’t have to be domestic.
- There is abuse against men, but “most by far are women,” says Delay.
- As a nonprofit organization, Mil Mujeres charges on a case-by-case basis.
To get help from Mil Mujeres, you must have already filed a police report. If you are not a citizen and are a victim of violence, follow these steps:
- Find a safe organization, like One Safe Place, that can help you visit the doctor and report the abuse when you feel comfortable; and offer protection.
- Report the abuse.
- Follow up after reporting (identify the abuser, provide information, speak to the police).
- Obtain legal proof that violence occurred.
- Go to Mil Mujeres for help obtaining a U Visa or using the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
