How can I find safety and support if I am a victim of domestic violence?
Finding Safety & Support
(Separate Website)
This booklet was created to help people who have been abused by their partner. This booklet will try to help you figure out if there is abuse in your relationship and will give you information on how to be safe and get help if there is abuse.
By: New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)
Read this in:
Arabic / العربية
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Chinese / 中文
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Russian / Pусский
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Spanish / Español
Staying Safe
(Separate Website)
Tips to help keep you as safe as possible when living with or leaving an abusive partner.
By: Womenslaw.org
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Internet Security
(Separate Website)
An abuser may monitor your computer use. This web site includes general information about Internet security and safety tips to remember while using email or the Internet.
By: Womenslaw.org
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
I am an immigrant and a victim of domestic violence what are my rights to safety and assistance?
Do You Have Problems at Home? Read About Your Rights in This Country
(Separate Website)
This booklet covers the rights of abused immigrants, including ways to get lawful status, protection orders and public benefits. It also discusses safety planning and family law issues such as divorce.
By: Legal Momentum
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Basic Questions and Answers (for Immigrant Women)
(Separate Website)
Includes information about calling the police, benefits, custody, child kidnapping, deportation and more.
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
The Rights of Immigrants in Family Court
(Separate Website)
Explains the rights that all people have in Family Court regardless of immigration status. Also explains how a victim of domestic violence can obtain legal immigration status.
By: Legal Information for Families Today
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Chinese / 中文
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French / Français
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Hebrew / עברית
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Korean / 한국어
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Russian / Pусский
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Spanish / Español
I am a victim of domestic violence, how can I get a green card (Permanent Residence) for myself or my children?
Immigration - Questions and Answers
(Separate Website)
Explains how to get lawful permanent residency (green card) without your spouse's help. Explains your legal options as a immigrant victim of domestic violence.
By: WomensLaw.org
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Spanish / Español
Request for a Fee Waiver
(Separate Website)
If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee for your application, you can request a fee waiver.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
VAWA Laws for Abuse Victims
(Separate Website)
Detailed information about filing a VAWA Self-petition to obtain legal status if you are married to an abusive US citizen or lawful permanent resident. Also explains how to file for cancellation of removal if deportation or removal proceedings have already begun.
By: WomensLaw.org
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
How To Get Permanent Residence If Your Spouse Abuses You
(Separate Website)
If you are a victim of domestic violence you may qualify to complete a Violence Against Women Application (VAWA Self-Petition). Read this brief brochure for more information.
By: Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
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Russian / Pусский
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Spanish / Español
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Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt
U-Visa for Victims of Crime Fact Sheet If you are a victim of crime (including domestic abuse), you may qualify for the U Visa. Read this to learn more.
By: My Sisters' Place
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
U-Visa Laws for Crime Victims
(Separate Website)
Information about obtaining legal status if you are the victim of a crime (including domestic abuse) and are or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime
By: WomensLaw.org
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Information from the NYPD on Good Conduct Certificates
(Separate Website)
Good Conduct Certificates are needed for some immigration applications, including VAWA Self-petitions. Click here for the requirements and some additional information on how to obtain and/or qualify for a Certificate of Good Conduct.
By: New York City Police Department (NYPD)
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Learn who is covered by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
By: Immigrant Legal Resource Center
What benefits are my children and I eligibile for?
Humanitarian Benefits
(Separate Website)
Learn more about the benefits and services available for qualified individuals in need of assistance.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Immigration Rights and Services Manual
(Separate Website)
This manual provides important information on the rights and services available to immigrants in New York City.
Read this in:
Chinese / 中文
,
Spanish / Español
Federal Financial Aid for Battered Immigrants
(Separate Website)
If you are an immigrant who is a victim of violence and want to go to college, find out if you can qualify for financial aid.
By: National Immigration Law Center
If you have a case in immigration court; Read this before you take legal advice
(Separate Website)
Read these tips to prevent you from being a victim of immigration fraud.
By: Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
Is Your Lawyer Licensed to Practice? You should check to make sure your lawyer is licensed to practice before you hire them to represent you. Find out what you can do!
By: Lawhelp NY
USCIS Information to Avoid Immigration Scams
(Separate Website)
This section of the USCIS website provides information on how to avoid scams, common scams, form filing tips, how to report immigration scams, and much more.
USCIS Field Office Locator: Find Out Where Your Local Immigration Office Is?
(Separate Website)
Simply put in your zipcode or search by state to find a local immigration office near you.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS Application Service Centers
Learn more about what the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) service centers and how to contact them.
By: Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
USCIS Civil Surgeons Locator
(Separate Website)
Most applicants for adjustment of status are required to have a medical examination. The medical examination must be conducted by a civil surgeon who has been designated by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Use this website to find a civil surgeon in your area.
By: U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
Immigration Law Glossary
(Separate Website)
This is a glossary of commonly used words and phrases when talking about immigration law. Definitions for each word and phrases are provided.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Do you have trouble with English? Are you unable to to speak, read, write, or understand English well?
(Separate Website)
Did you know federal agencies and organizations that get money from the federal government have to provide reasonable services to assist you? Learn more.
By: Federal Interagency Working Group on LEP
Filing a Complaint Regarding an Immigration Court Interpreter
(Separate Website)
By: U.S. Department of Justice: Executive Office of Immigration Review
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Video: How to Work with Interpreters
(Separate Website)
In this video, you will learn some basic tips that will allow you to communicate effectively and easily through an interpreter with a person who doesn't speak your language.
By: Legal Services of New Jersey
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Immigration Forms
(Separate Website)
Visit this website to download and learn more about the application process and charges for different types of immigration forms.
By: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Complaints About Attorneys
(Separate Website)
If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. Click for more information.
By: New York State Unified Court System
How to Complain About Lawyers and Judges in NYC
(Separate Website)
An overview of how to file complaint against a Lawyer or Judge in NYC. Outlines client's rights and responsibilities.
By: City Bar Justice Center
Economic Empowerment Resource Guide
(Separate Website)
While this guide is specifically intended to provide helpful information for immigrant victims of violent crimes, it may benefit many New Yorkers who are entering the job market for the first time, researching college or other educational programs, or looking to change careers. It provides information about:
- high-school equivalency (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
- welfare/job centers that service immigrants throughout New York City and accept applications for cash assistance, food stamps, and Medicaid
- job training and job placement programs
- employment agencies
- personal financial literacy classes to teach how to budget and save money as well as take control of your debt
- financial aid for higher education (such as college)
- small business resources, including micro-loans
By: City Bar Justice Center - Immigrant Women and Children Project
New York City Family Justice Center, Brooklyn The New York City Family Justice Center in Brooklyn is a walk-in center for all domestic violence victims and their children. To make it easier for you to get help, many agencies are located at the Center. Services are free and available to all victims. We can help you regardless of what language you speak.
By: New York City, Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence
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