Today, we’re discussing the harsh realities of relationship abuse among refugees, asylum seekers, and those without documentation. While domestic violence affects people regardless of their background, undocumented individuals encounter additional hurdles in seeking safety.
Here are some tactics abusive partners may use:
- Destroying vital documents like passports or green cards.
- Preventing someone from learning English or communicating with others, leading to isolation.
- Threatening deportation or lying about immigration status.
- Using fear of separation from US-born children or harm to family back in their home country.
- Exploiting their lack of knowledge about US systems, rights, and available support.
For many survivors, these tactics only scratch the surface of their experiences. It becomes even more challenging when compounded by factors such as xenophobia (prejudice against people from other countries), racism, language barriers, and cultural constraints, which can deter reporting and seeking help.
In 2019, a coalition of national organizations conducted a survey involving hundreds of advocates and attorneys across the US. The findings revealed that many immigrant victims of domestic and sexual violence refrained from seeking help due to fear. Instead, these victims endured their abuse in silence.
However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone, regardless of their immigration status, has rights and can seek assistance. Consulting with an attorney specializing in immigration law is highly recommended.
For those in need of support, the following organizations are excellent resources:
Additionally, Shared Safety Philadelphia offers informative guides on obtaining Protection from Abuse Orders, Victims Compensation Assistance, and navigating the legal process. These resources are available in multiple languages at Sharedsafetyphila.org/immigrantvoc.
