Connecticut VAWA Self-Petition Attorney
You deserve safety, protection, and the chance to build a secure future. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a confidential path to immigration status for survivors of domestic violence. Our compassionate legal team provides discreet, expert guidance through the self-petition process.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. For confidential domestic violence support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
- • All VAWA consultations and filings are completely confidential
- • Your abuser will never be contacted or notified about your petition
- • We can arrange secure communication methods to protect your privacy
- • Safety planning is integrated into every aspect of your legal case
VAWA Self-Petition Eligibility Requirements
Understanding the four key elements for VAWA protection qualification
Qualifying Relationship
- Spouse (current or former) of U.S. citizen or LPR
- Child of U.S. citizen or LPR (unmarried, under 21)
- Parent of U.S. citizen child (citizen must be 21+)
- Divorced spouse within 2 years of divorce related to abuse
Battery or Extreme Cruelty
- Physical abuse or threat of physical harm
- Sexual abuse or threats of sexual abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse patterns
- Economic abuse or financial control
- Threats of deportation or immigration consequences
Good Moral Character
- No disqualifying criminal convictions
- Payment of taxes when required
- No fraud or material misrepresentation
- Community ties and responsible behavior
- Rehabilitation evidence if needed
U.S. Residence Requirement
- Physical presence in the United States
- Residence during the relationship with abuser
- Current residence not required for some cases
- Children can derive protection from parent's petition
Building Your VAWA Case: Evidence Documentation
Types of evidence that can establish abuse and support your petition
Abuse Documentation
Expert Tip: Even without police reports, other evidence can establish abuse patterns
Professional Documentation
Expert Tip: Professional opinions carry significant weight in VAWA cases
Witness Statements
Expert Tip: Multiple witness perspectives strengthen your case
Personal Documentation
Expert Tip: Contemporary documentation is especially valuable
Confidential VAWA Process Timeline
Your journey to safety and independence through VAWA protection
Phase 1: Safety & Consultation
ImmediateKey Activities:
- Ensure immediate safety and security
- Confidential legal consultation
- Assess VAWA eligibility and options
- Develop evidence gathering strategy
Confidentiality Protection:
All communications protected by attorney-client privilege
Phase 2: Evidence Development
2-6 monthsKey Activities:
- Gather abuse documentation safely
- Obtain professional evaluations
- Collect witness statements
- Document good moral character
Confidentiality Protection:
Evidence gathering conducted with complete discretion
Phase 3: Petition Preparation
4-8 weeksKey Activities:
- Prepare Form I-360 VAWA petition
- Draft comprehensive personal statement
- Organize supporting evidence
- Review petition for completeness
Confidentiality Protection:
Petition filed confidentially - abuser never notified
Phase 4: USCIS Processing
12-24 monthsKey Activities:
- USCIS reviews petition confidentially
- Work authorization application if eligible
- Respond to any requests for evidence
- Await prima facie determination
Confidentiality Protection:
USCIS maintains strict confidentiality throughout
Phase 5: Green Card Application
6-12 months after approvalKey Activities:
- File I-485 adjustment of status
- Attend USCIS interview
- Receive conditional or permanent green card
- Begin path to full independence
Confidentiality Protection:
Continued protection and support throughout process
Special Considerations for VAWA Cases
Comprehensive support addressing unique challenges faced by survivors
Children's Protection
Unmarried children under 21 can be included in VAWA petition
- Children derive protection from parent's VAWA case
- Stepchildren may qualify if relationship formed before age 18
- Age-out protection available under CSPA
- Children can file their own VAWA petitions if eligible
Language and Cultural Barriers
Specialized support for immigrants facing cultural challenges
- Interpretation services available in multiple languages
- Understanding of cultural abuse patterns
- Sensitivity to religious and family pressures
- Connections with culturally appropriate support services
Economic Independence
Work authorization and public benefits considerations
- Eligible for work authorization with pending VAWA petition
- Some public benefits available to VAWA applicants
- Financial independence planning and support
- Connection with economic empowerment resources
Safety Planning
Ongoing safety considerations throughout the legal process
- Coordinated safety planning with legal strategy
- Referrals to domestic violence support services
- Technology safety and digital privacy protection
- Emergency planning and protective measures
VAWA Myths vs. Facts
Clearing up common misconceptions about VAWA self-petitions
Myth
Only women can file VAWA petitions
Fact
Men can also file VAWA self-petitions if they are victims of domestic violence by a qualifying relative.
Myth
You need police reports to prove abuse
Fact
While helpful, police reports are not required. Many forms of evidence can establish abuse patterns.
Myth
VAWA filing alerts the abuser
Fact
VAWA petitions are completely confidential. The abuser is never notified of the filing.
Myth
You must still be married to file VAWA
Fact
Divorced spouses can file VAWA if divorce was connected to abuse and occurred within 2 years.
Myth
Criminal record disqualifies you from VAWA
Fact
Minor criminal history may not disqualify you. Each case is evaluated individually for good moral character.
Comprehensive Protection & Support
Additional services to support your journey to safety and independence
Adjustment of Status
After VAWA approval, we guide you through the adjustment of status process to obtain your green card.
U-Visa Protection
Alternative protection for crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement investigations.
Family Safety Planning
Coordinated legal and safety planning to protect you and your children throughout the process.
You Deserve Safety, Protection, and Hope
The Violence Against Women Act provides a confidential path to safety and independence. You don't have to face this alone. Our compassionate team is here to guide you through every step with complete discretion and respect for your privacy.