The spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or LPR abuser might qualify under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to file your own petition without the abusive relative ever knowing.

Survivors of domestic violence who qualify for VAWA protections will obtain permanent residence in the United States, and can later apply for citizenship.

Most importantly, survivors do not have to stay with their abuser during the process.

The purpose of VAWA is to allow victims to seek safety and independence from their abusers. In order to self-petition under VAWA, the petitioner must meet specific requirements based on whether he or she is the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, or if he or she is the parent of a U.S. citizen.

The petitioner must have resided with the abuser, and also must have good moral character, which is a fact-based inquiry.

Finally, the petitioner must be otherwise eligible for immigration status as an “immediate relative” (spouse, child, or parent).