


VAWA Abuse Cases
The Violence Against Women Act provides that the spouse or children under 21 of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident and/or a Parent of a U.S. Citizen who has been battered or subjected to extreme cruelty may file a self-petition if the following requirements are met:
-
Evidence that the abuser is a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident.
-
Evidence of the bonafide character of the marriage.
-
Evidence that the Self-petitioner resided with the USC spouse or parent.
-
Proof of the abuse such as: police reports, pictures, and/or personal statement establishing the abuse, affidavits from witnesses.
-
Good moral character
Special Remarks:
-
An individual must self-petition at the latest within two years after the termination of the marriage if it can be proven that there is a connection between the termination and the abuse.
-
Individuals who were abused by their spouses and who entered the United States without inspection are eligible to self-petition.