Persons who are the victim or survivor of domestic violence have legal pathways to becoming a legally permanent citizen of the United States. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and some other specific crimes may apply for legal immigration status. A victim’s application is confidential and no one, including an abuser, crime perpetrator or family member, will be told that you applied.
The U.S. Government defines domestic violence as “a pattern of behavior when one intimate partner or spouse threatens or abuses the other partner.” Abuse may include physical harm, forced sexual relations, emotional manipulation (including isolation or intimidation), economic and/or immigration related threats.
While most recorded incidents of domestic violence involve men abusing women or children, men can also be victims of domestic violence.
Psychological assessments for victims of domestic violence include a comprehensive assessment of abuse/violence that includes (but is not necessarily limited to):
- Coercion
- Threats
- Isolation
- Verbal abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Economic abuse
- Withholding of affection
- Forced affection / sexual relations
- Blocking access to medical care
As with all psychological evaluations conducted by Dr. Jalazo, they will include a clinical interview with mental status examination and objective psychological and cognitive testing to medically substantiate the presence of any behavioral health symptoms and DSM-5 diagnoses
Help for immigrant crime or domestic violence may be obtained by calling:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
The National Center for Victims of Crime
1-800-FYI-CALL (1-800-394-2255)
Remember, you can receive immediate assistance by calling 9-1-1 and requesting assistance from police and/or fire-rescue. Any victim of domestic violence –regardless of immigration status –can seek help.