VAWA (VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT)

The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) allows noncitizens who have been abused by their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative the ability to independently file petition with the USCIS for themselves to be classified as a VAWA “Self-Petitioner” without the abuser’s knowledge, consent, or participation in the immigration process.  The victims may then seek safety and independence from their abusers.