| Many immigrants who travel to and settle in the | | | | seeking help through the following services and |
| United States are subjected to poor living conditions | | | | options: |
| and possibly even abusive relationships. As an | | | | - Women's shelters. Women may seek care and |
| immigrant, you may feel disoriented in a new country | | | | assistance at a battered women's shelter and do not |
| and may think that you have no power to speak up | | | | have to reveal their immigration status. |
| against domestic violence. Many immigrants who | | | | - Restraining orders. Anyone may file a restraining |
| experience abuse, particularly those here illegally, | | | | order against an abusive spouse, regardless of |
| keep quiet because they are afraid of the possibility | | | | whether you are a citizen or legal resident. |
| of deportation or retaliation from their abusers. | | | | - Police assistance. If you or your children have been |
| However, in the United States immigrants have | | | | victims of a crime, you can report the crime to the |
| certain rights regardless of their immigration status, | | | | police and do not have to reveal your residency |
| which may help you escape a cycle of violence at | | | | status. |
| home. | | | | - Emergency medical care. If you or your children |
| Overcoming Your Fears | | | | have suffered injuries from abuse, you may seek |
| If you or your children are being abused at home, | | | | medical attention at an emergency treatment facility |
| you are likely suffering from both physical and | | | | even if you are not in the country legally. |
| emotional distress. Your abusive spouse may try to | | | | If you are considering separating from an abusive |
| intimidate you to prevent you from trying to leave. | | | | spouse, consider contacting an experienced domestic |
| He may call you demeaning names, try to take away | | | | violence lawyer. He or she can review the details of |
| your and your children's papers, threaten to report | | | | your situation and help you decide on a course of |
| you or have you deported, or otherwise make | | | | action to keep you and your family safe. |
| threats to scare you into staying silent. Even if you | | | | For More Information |
| are in the country illegally, there are services available | | | | To learn more about immigrant domestic violence |
| to you to help you and your children stay safe. | | | | issues, please contact the compassionate, |
| Rights and Options for Immigrant Domestic Violence | | | | experienced Austin domestic violence lawyers Slater |
| Victims | | | | Kennon & Jameson, LLP today. |
| If you are a victim of spousal abuse, consider | | | | |