{"id":466,"date":"2022-05-11T08:00:46","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T15:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/?p=466"},"modified":"2022-05-25T08:06:23","modified_gmt":"2022-05-25T15:06:23","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-when-filing-a-vawa-violence-against-women-act-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elawrencelaw.com\/blog\/frequently-asked-questions-when-filing-a-vawa-violence-against-women-act-case\/","title":{"rendered":"Frequently Asked Questions When Filing a VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Case"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Justice<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Back in April, we published a blog post outlining The\nViolence Against Women Act (VAWA). The post outlined the numerous benefits\nfiling a VAWA case can present to women suffering due to circumstances\ninvolving domestic violence. Among these benefits is immigration relief. VAWA\noffers immigration relief and allows individuals impacted by domestic violence\nto apply for permanent resident status after receiving VAWA designation. To do\nso, the affected individual must fill in the VAWA\nself-petition<\/a> and subsequently complete an application for adjustment\nof status based on VAWA. While this sounds excellent on paper, there are a hand\nfull of questions that tend to pop up along the way. In this blog, we\u2019ll answer\nthe most common of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Does VAWA Define Abuse?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

VAWA offers a broad range of definitions of abuse, as abuse\nitself can take on many forms. The most straightforward type of abuse is\nphysical, which involves the striking of a partner. Sexual abuse and emotional\nabuse, including threats, harassment, and intimidation are also covered under\nVAWA. Do not let the impression that VAWA only covers physical abuse keep you from\napplying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Resources Do I Need to File my VAWA Case?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main form you will need to focus on is Form I-360, also\nknown as the Self-Petition for Battered Spouse\/Child. If you need to file to\nadjust your status as well, you can do so using Form I-485. There may be other\nforms worth submitting depending on the specifics of your case, so be sure to\nconsult with an experienced attorney before submission! In addition to these\nforms, we also highly recommend gathering any medical, physical, or court\nevidence of domestic violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I Have to Stay Married to Receive VAWA Relief?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No! Form I-360 does not require you to remain in an abusive\nsituation in order to receive relief. If the divorce took place within the last\ntwo years, you have a legitimate chance of receiving relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can My Petition Be Denied?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you meet the conventional requirements for VAWA\nrelief, your case may still be denied. The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence\ncan decrease the odds of denial by helping you avoid the following mistakes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n