The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) evaluation is a critical component of U.S. immigration policy aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse who are immigrants or non-citizen residents of the United States.

VAWA was originally enacted in 1994 and has been reauthorized several times since then.

One of the key provisions of VAWA is that it allows certain abused immigrants to self-petition for lawful permanent residency without relying on their abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouses or family members to sponsor them.

It does not apply to just people who identify as women. It applies to all domestic partnerships – queer relationships, heterosexual partners, trans partnerships. And it applies to relationships that are not romantic. For example, your brother is abusing you while you seek legal status. 

In essence, the United States believes that if you have been abused by a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident, then you have the right to stay in the country without having to depend on them for your application for legal status. It allows you to seek a specific waiver for your immigration application.

Here are the reasons why a VAWA evaluation is important for immigration:

Protection for Victims

Many immigrants, particularly women, may find themselves in abusive relationships with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouses or family members. These victims might fear reporting the abuse or leaving the abusive situation due to concerns about their immigration status. VAWA provides a mechanism for them to seek protection and immigration relief independently of their abuser.

Independence

VAWA allows victims of abuse to self-petition for immigration benefits. This means they don’t need the support or sponsorship of the abusive family member to obtain legal status. This is crucial because often, abusers may use the victim’s lack of immigration status as a tool to maintain control and power over them.

Confidentiality

VAWA provisions allow for the confidentiality of victim information during the immigration process. This is important because victims might fear retaliation from their abusers if their intent to gain legal status is known.

Verification

No one wants to be accused of lying for their personal benefit. The VAWA evaluation process involves demonstrating and documenting the authenticity of your abuse claims. The evaluator will use questionnaires and a formal assessment process to document and assess your abuse.

Family Access

The VAWA waiver if it’s granted allows qualifying family members of the abused individual to also apply for immigration benefits. This is an important provision as it can help protect any children who may be suffering due to the abusive environment.

Access to Services

Through VAWA, victims of abuse has the right to access certain social services, legal aid, and support networks that can aid in their recovery and rebuilding process.

Human Rights and Dignity

Providing immigration relief through VAWA aligns with the principles of human rights and human dignity. It acknowledges that no one should suffer abuse or stay in an abusive situation due to immigration status concerns. It also sends a strong message that abuse will not be tolerated in the United States.

In essence, the VAWA evaluation is designed to provide a path to immigration relief for victims of abuse. It recognizes the vulnerabilities faced by immigrants who are victims of violence and aims to empower them to seek safety and security without being tied to their abusers for immigration status. \

You’re able to leave your abuser without fear that you immigration and legal status is at risk in the United States.

Always check with your immigration lawyer whether a psychological evaluation is appropriate for your case. If so, it can serve as a powerful tool to present a compelling case for allowing an individual to remain in a country.

Just a reminder that I do Immigration Evaluations for residents of Florida. Grab your Free Consultation with me to get the deets on working together (the how, the when, the where, and the how much).

Schedule Appointment

Peace and Health,
Dr. Liz

The post How to seek help with your immigration application if you’re being abused – VAWA appeared first on Evaluations With Dr. Liz.

People respond differently to various activities. Some feel pleasant or refreshed, and others feel calm and relaxed after an activity like this one. Some people notice little change the first time, but with practice, their control increases – as well as the benefits. If you practice this activity, your relaxation should increase, and your anxiety will decrease.

Step 1. Assume a comfortable position. You may lie down; loosen any tight clothing, take your glasses off if you’re wearing some, and close your eyes.

Step 2. Assume a passive attitude. Focus on yourself and on achieving relaxation in specific body muscles.

Step 3. Tense and relax each muscle group as follows:

• Forehead – Wrinkle your forehead, try to make your eyebrows touch your hairline for five seconds. Then relax those muscles.
• Eyes and nose – Close your eyes as tightly as you can for five seconds. Then relax those muscles.
• Lips, cheeks and jaw – Draw the centers of your mouth back and grimace for five seconds. Then relax those muscles. Feel the warmth and calmness in your face.
• Hands – Extend your arms in front of you. Clench your fists tightly for five seconds. Then Relax. Feel the warmth and calmness in your hands.
• Forearms – Extend your arms out against an invisible wall and push forward with your hands for five seconds. Then Relax.
• Upper arms – Bend your elbows. Tense your biceps for five seconds. Relax. Feel the tension leave your arms.
• Shoulders – Shrug your shoulders up to your ears for five seconds. Relax.
• Back – Arch your back off the floor for five seconds. Relax. Feel the anxiety and tension disappearing.
• Stomach – Tighten your stomach muscles for five seconds. Relax.
• Hips and buttocks – Tighten your hip and buttock muscles for five seconds. Relax.
• Thighs – Tighten your thigh muscles by pressing your legs together as tightly as you can for five seconds. Relax.
• Feet – Bend your ankles toward your body as far as you can for five seconds. Relax.
• Toes – Curl your toes as tightly as you can for five seconds. Relax.

Focus on any muscles which may still be tense. If any muscle remains tense, tighten and relax that specific muscle three or four times.

If you prefer to have a recorded relaxation that helps you reduce stress, please Join the Newsletter. Three free downloads are available for immediate download and one of them is to reduce stress.

It’s similar to a progressive muscle relaxation although I think it’s a little easier since it’s all done in your mind. You don’t have to tense and release anything. Some people prefer that to the tense/release practice.

Just a reminder that I do Adult Autism Evaluations for residents of Florida. Grab your Free Consultation with me to get the deets on working together (the how, the when, the where, and the how much)!

Schedule Appointment

Peace and Health,

Dr. Liz

The post How to do a Progressive Muscle Relaxation Step by Step appeared first on Evaluations With Dr. Liz.