Abuse and DC VAWA Applications

In order to be eligible to submit a VAWA application, the applicant must show that they experienced abuse, either physical, psychological, or extreme cruelty. USCIS classifies that abuse as rape, physical violence, unwanted sexual contact, and the threat of any of those forms of abuse. There is no set period of time for how long the abuse has to have been occurring. The VAWA applicant only needs to show that the abuse occurred. Also, there is no specific type of abuse one must show in an application.

If you have any questions regarding abuse and DC VAWA applications, reach out to an accomplished attorney. A dedicated immigration lawyer could help you with your VAWA application.

Proving Abuse in VAWA Applications

If someone was mentally abused and is applying for VAWA, they can prove the mental abuse took place by providing a detailed affidavit describing the mental abuse that they experienced at the hands of their abuser. They can provide third-party statements from family members and friends detailing the mental abuse. They may provide a psychological evaluation as secondary evidence to show the effects of the mental abuse that they experienced.

One can prove the abuse that they were under with by providing a detailed credible statement. The VAWA applicant will provide a detailed statement that talks about specific instances in which the abuser harmed them or subjected them to extreme cruelty. Evidence to corroborate the statement can include hospital records, police records, letters of support from third-parties members like family or friends aware of the abuse or extreme cruelty. Also, abuse in DC VAWA applications can be shown with letters from mental healthcare providers and social workers, pictures of the abuse, and messages between the abuser and the VAWA applicant.

Seeing a Psychologist or Therapist Could Count as Evidence of Abuse

Seeing a psychologist or therapist does count as evidence of abuse in the case. It is recommended that the applicant consider setting up a meeting with a therapist or a psychologist to obtain a report from the therapist or psychologist, detailing their mental state. Meeting with someone, especially a mental health professional, to talk about this abuse or extreme cruelty is additional support for the VAWA applicant because this process is not easy.

The applicant is forced to sit down and think about the horrible things that have happened to them. Sometimes it is not possible to afford sitting with a mental health professional or the VAWA applicant fears that their abuser is going to be notified that they are meeting with someone or that they are filing this application. In their statement, the VAWA applicant can state the reasons why they did not seek the advice and support of a mental health professional. It is also imperative to note that having a report from a mental health provider does not guarantee that the applicant will have their VAWA approved, as they still have to meet all of the other eligibility requirements.

Contact a DC Lawyer About Abuse and VAWA Applications

Anyone considering applying for VAWA should know that showing physical abuse is not a requirement, nor is providing evidence that the abuse was reported to the police. The harm does not have to be solely physical. It can include evidence of psychological abuse and extreme cruelty.

Call today if you have any questions concerning abuse and DC VAWA applications. Let a seasoned attorney help you.

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