• Introduction
• Domestic violence in immigrant communities
• Barriers to accessing services
• Legal protections available
  • Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
  • U visa
  • Immigration laws
  • International laws
• Public benefits available
  • Medicaid and Temporary Assistance
  • Temporary housing
• Enhancing services for immigrant women
  • Community outreach
  • Cultural humility
  • Reducing the language barrier
• Information for survivors of domestic violence
• Training Materials
• Organizations

• Intimate Partner Violence in Immigrant and Refugee Communities: Challenges, Promising Practices and Recommendations PDF (66 p.) by Family Violence Prevention Fund (March 2009)
  This report offers information on the challenges, prevention and treatment of IPV in immigrant and refugee communities. It includes recommendations and summaries for future work and funding efforts. [More Info]

• The Facts on Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence PDF (2 p.) by Family Violence Prevention Fund
  This fact sheet draws from various studies to show the prevalence of domestic violence in immigrant communities, and presents information about the cultural, legal, and economic barriers that cause difficulties for immigrant women in escaping abuse. [More Info]

• Power and Control Tactics used against Immigrant Women PDF (3 p.) by Family Violence Prevention Fund
  This document describes some of the tactics used to abuse immigrant women. These include emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, using coercion and threat, intimidation, isolation, and blaming women for inciting violence. [More Info]

• Violence in the Home is a Global Phenomenon: Immigrant and Refugee Power and Control Wheel PDF (1 p.) by Bri Chomilo, Home Free (2002)
  An adaptation of the Power & Control Wheel, this illustration describes abusive tactics that batterers use to control their victims, focusing on how they may be experienced by battered immigrant and refugee women. [More Info]

• Battered Immigrants and U.S. Citizen Spouses PDF (10 p.) by Giselle Aguilar Hass, Nawal Ammar, and Leslye Orloff, Legal Momentum (April 2006)
  This paper reviews and provides data about the dynamics of domestic violence experienced by immigrant women. The authors demonstrate how power and control over the immigration status of an immigrant partner enhances the likelihood and severity of abuse. [More Info]

• Somewhere to Turn: Making Domestic Violence Services Accessible to Battered Immigrant Women, Chapter 1: Overview of Domestic Violence and Battered Immigrant Issues PDF (21 p.) by Leslye E. Orloff and Rachael Little, AYUDA, Inc. (May 1999)
  This chapter provides information about domestic violence in immigrant communities, including the power and control dynamics and the barriers faced by immigrant women in accessing services for domestic violence. [More Info]

• Fact Sheet: Domestic Violence in Asian Communities PDF (12 p.) by Asian and Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence (July 2005)
  This fact sheet draws from various studies to show a high prevalence of domestic violence in Asian communities, the different types of abuses experienced by Asian immigrant women and their use of services. [More Info]

• Investigating Domestic Violence Among South Asian Immigrant Women, Research Brief PDF (2 p.) by Apna Ghar, Loyola University Chicago (2005)
  This research brief shows the prevalence of domestic violence in South Asian immigrant communities. It discusses the barriers faced by immigrant women who experience domestic violence and highlights the need for skilled advocates to assist immigrant women [More Info]

• Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence: Cultural Challenges and Available Legal Protections PDF (8 p.) HTML by Sudha Shetty and Janice Kaguyutan, VAWnet: The National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women (February 2002)
  Explores the unique experiences and challenges facing immigrant battered women in the U.S. This paper also outlines legal protections available to immigrant women who experience domestic violence, including an overview of options available through VAWA. [More Info]

• Ensuring Fairness and Justice for Noncitizen Survivors of Domestic Violence PDF (18 p.) by Gail Pendleton, Legal Momentum (2003)
  This article discusses the obstacles faced by immigrant women when trying to access the legal system for protection against domestic violence and how the courts can address these obstacles. [More Info]

• Realities for Immigrant Populations: How they Experience the System PDF (19 p.) by Gail Pendleton & Ellen Kemp, ASISTA Immigrant Women's Technical Assistance Project (2006)
  This document describes experiences, barriers, and fears of many immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking when accessing the U.S. civil and criminal justice systems, and provides an overview of the immigration system and laws. [More Info]

• Breaking Barriers: A Complete Guide to Legal Rights and Resources for Battered Immigrants HTML (1 p.) by Leslye E. Orloff and Kathleen Sullivan, Eds., Legal Momemtum, Immigrant Women Program (2004)
  This manual provides information about domestic violence experienced by immigrant women, the multiple cultural, legal and economic factors that prevent battered immigrant women from seeking help, and how advocates can help rebuild social support networks. [More Info]

• NCRW Big Five: Under the Radar – Immigrant Women and Violence PDF (3 p.) by The National Council for Research on Women
  This document notes that intimate partner violence and exploitative work conditions are the two most common forms of abuse experienced by immigrant women. However, language, cultural, economic and legal barriers intersect and prevent help-seeking. [More Info]

• Building Bridges to Stop Violence against Immigrant Women: Effective Strategies & Promising Models for Reaching and Serving Immigrant Women PDF (103 p.) by Voices for Change: Immigrant Women & State Policy, Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, University at Albany (March 2004)
  Developed to share the lessons of two NY regional workshops, this document describes the barriers facing immigrant victims, as well as effective service models and strategies to overcome those barriers. [More Info]

• Developing Linguistically and Culturally Responsive Materials for Latina Survivors PDF (20 p.) by Adelita M. Medina & Jessica F. Vasquez, National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence (February 2004)
  This document discusses barriers to seeking help by Latina immigrant survivors of domestic violence and the challenges faced by programs in providing services to immigrant survivors of domestic violence. [More Info]

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act of 1994, 2000, and its 2005 reauthorization recognize the predicament of immigrant survivors of domestic violence and offer them protection and assistance. The VAWA 1994 was the first federal legislation in the U.S. to make provision to protect immigrant women from domestic violence. The VAWA 1994 allows immigrant women married to citizens or permanent residents to self-petition for immigrant status. The VAWA 1994 also includes provision for all legal service organizations to assist victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking regardless of the victims’ immigration status. The VAWA 2000 and its 2005 reauthorization made amendments to ease VAWA requirements and expanded services to include a broader category of immigrant women and children who previously did not qualify for VAWA. The documents presented in this section are listed in chronological order and may be dated in some instances.

• Offering a Helping Hand: Legal Protections for Battered Immigrant Women, A History of Legislative Responses PDF (60 p.) by Leslye E. Orloff & Janice v. Kaguyutan, American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law (2001)
  This article presents an overview of the history of legal protections for immigrant women who experience domestic violence in the United States, noting legal amendments since 1990 that reflect an increased understanding of the danger of domestic violence. [More Info]

• The Violence Against Women Act Now Ensures Legal Services for Immigrant Victims PDF (5 p.) by Amanda Baran, Legal Momentum, Immigrant Women Program (2007)
  This article provides information about the 2005 VAWA reauthorization, which expanded legal services to all immigrant survivors of domestic violence, including women in non-marital relationships, same-sex partnerships, and non-intimate relationships. [More Info]

• The Violence Against Women Act: Remedies for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence PDF (12 p.) by Amy Gottlieb, American Friends Service Committee Immigrant Rights Program (April 2004)
  This document emphasizes the need for attorneys to understand the special needs of immigrant women who have been abused and outlines various legal issues concerning immigrant women and domestic violence. [More Info]

• The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 and 2000: Immigration Protections for Battered Immigrants PDF (5 p.) by Janice Kaguyutan, Leslye Orloff & Negar Ashtari, Domestic Violence Report, Legal Momentum (February/March 2001)
  This article presents information about the VAWA 1994 and its provision. The article then proceeds to explain that VAWA 2000 was enacted to address the limitations of VAWA 1994 and presents information about VAWA 2000 provisions. [More Info]

U visa
The VAWA 2000 created U visa, which is a non-immigrant visa for victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence. This visa allows victims to reside legally in the U.S. while cooperating with law enforcement to prosecute offenders and prevent these crimes.

• An Introduction to U Visas PDF (3 p.) by National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women
  This document provides information about U visa, its importance, its eligibility, duration of this visa, and application process. [More Info]

• U Visas: Immigration Relief for Victims of Certain Crimes, Frequently Asked Questions HTML (5 p.) DOC (6 p.) by Immigrant Legal Resource Center/ASISTA
  This fact sheet provides brief answers to frequently asked questions about the U Visa, created by the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act of 2000. [More Info]

• U Visa Interim Regulations Fact Sheet and Guidance PDF (7 p.) by National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women (2007)
  This document presents information about U visa requirements. [More Info]

• U Visa for Domestic Violence Crimes PDF (1 p.) by Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
  This brief provides general information about the process of applying for U visa. [More Info]

• Winning U Visas: Getting the Law Enforcement Certification PDF (13 p.) by Gail Pendleton, ASISTA (February 2008)
  This paper describes the requirements for U visas and emphasizes the need for practitioners to establish a good working relationship with law enforcement officers and help build trust between immigrant survivors and the law enforcement system. [More Info]

• Overcoming Inadmissibility for U Visa applicants DOC (5 p.) by Gail Pendleton, ASISTA
  This paper provides information and strategies for applying for U visa application waivers. [More Info]

Immigration laws

• Battered Spouses and Children Confidentiality Fact Sheet PDF (2 p.) by Ayuda Inc., Legal Momentum, Immigrant Women Program
  This pamphlet presents information about two confidentiality provisions in the current immigration law for immigrant women and children who are battered. [More Info]

International laws

• Meeting International Human Rights Obligations to Offer Effective Remedies PDF (11 p.) by Leslye E. Orloff, Legal Momentum, Immigrant Women Program
  This paper recommends the use of international laws and human rights conventions when a country’s laws are silent or ambiguous about whether relief can be awarded in civil and criminal court to women and children who are being abused. [More Info]

• Adult Domestic Violence in Cases of International Parental Child Abduction PDF (24 p.) by Sudha Shetty and Jeffrey L. Edleson, The Hague Domestic Violence Project (2005)
  This paper discusses the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and its affect on battered mothers and their children who are seeking safety in the United States. [More Info]

• Public Benefits Access to Battered Women and Children DOC (2 p.) by Legal Momentum
  This paper provides information about eligibility for public welfare by immigrant women survivors of domestic violence and benefits available. [More Info]

• Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs PDF (4 p.) by National Immigration Law Center (March 2005)
  This document provides an overview of immigrants eligibility for the various federal public assistance programs. [More Info]

Medicaid and Temporary Assistance

• TANF and Emergency Medicaid Access for Battered Immigrant Women and Children PDF (2 p.) by Legal Momentum
  This paper presents information about Medicaid and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) availability to immigrant women and children who are abused by their U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouses or parents. [More Info]

• State-Funded TANF Replacement Programs PDF (2 p.) by National Immigration Law Center (2004)
  This table presents a list of state funded programs that provide cash assistance to immigrants who are not eligible for federally funded Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. [More Info]

• State-Funded Medical Assistance Programs PDF (2 p.) by National Immigration Law Center (2006)
  This table presents a list of state funded programs that provide medical coverage for immigrants who are not eligible for federally funded Medicaid program. [More Info]

• Food Stamps Access for Battered Immigrant Women and Children DOC (3 p.) by National Immigration Project
  This brochure provides information about immigrants who are currently qualified for food stamps, Food Stamp Reauthorization Act, 2002, and state food stamp programs. [More Info]

• INS Guidance on Public Charge PDF (6 p.) by National Immigration Law Center
  This document provides information about public benefits and how receiving them may or may not affect immigration status or immigrant’s ability to travel outside the U.S. [More Info]

Temporary housing

• Housing and Battered Women PDF (11 p.) HTML by Amy Correia and Jen Rubin, VAWnet: The National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women (November 2001)
  This paper offers a research on DV and homelessness and trends in federal housing policy. A model for conducting a community assessment of local housing needs includes critical thinking questions on an organization’s capacity for housing advocacy. [More Info]

• Shelter Access For Battered Immigrant Women - Chapter 7. Somewhere To Turn: Making Domestic Violence Services Accessible To Battered Immigrant Women PDF (13 p.) HTML by Leslye E. Orloff, and Rachel Little, AYUDA, Inc. (1999)
  This piece provides information on battered immigrant women's right to access shelter services. It also covers how shelters and other DV service providers are exempt from INS verification and reporting guidelines. [More Info]

• The Impact of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA) on the Housing Rights and Options of Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence PDF (10 p.) by National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (March 2006)
  This Q&A document explains the key housing provisions of VAWA 2005, including housing-related grant programs, amendments to public housing and section 8 regarding eviction defense, eligibility, and portability, HMIS changes, and new planning requirements. [More Info]

• Letter from the US Department of Housing And Urban Development to HUD Funds Recipients PDF (3 p.) by A. Cuomo (January 19, 2001)
  This letter informs HUD grant recipients operating emergency shelters and transitional housing programs that all immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, are eligible for such services. The letter references relevant laws and regulations. [More Info]

• Rental Housing Programs Excerpt from the Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs PDF (3 p.) by National Immigration Law Center (4th Edition 2002, and revised October 2005)
  This excerpt provides basic information about immigrant eligibility for various federal means-tested rental housing programs: including public housing, Section 8, Section 515 rental housing, Section 514/516 farm labor housing, and LIHTC housing. [More Info]

• Advocacy to Improve Services for Battered Migrant and Immigrant Women Living in Rural Communities PDF (205 p.) by Legal Momentum and Organizacion en California de Lideres Campesinas, Inc.
  This manual provides information to immigrant, migrant and refugees living in rural communities about their rights, legal options and public assistance available, and safety planning tips. Includes strategies for improving services for survivors. [More Info]

• Improving Accessibility of Your Program’s Services to Battered Immigrant Women PDF (3 p.) by Legal Momentum
  This pamphlet provides tips for community programs to expand services to immigrant women who are in abusive relationships. [More Info]

• What You Need to Know about Laws to Help Battered Immigrant and Refugee Women PDF (3 p.) by Legal Momentum
  This pamphlet provides information to people who work with immigrant and refugee women and children, including information about immediate intervention, civil protection orders, the Violence Against Women Act and safety planning. [More Info]

Community outreach

• Outreach to Underserved Communities PDF (214 p.) by Sujata Warrier, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) (February 2000)
  This curriculum is designed to help domestic violence programs reach out to underserved communities in order to address the issues of diversity and of the limited access to quality services for battered women from those communities. [More Info]

• Improving Services and Outreach to the Latino Community HTML (5 p.) by Marie De Santis, Women's Justice Center/ Centro de Justicia Para Mujeres
  This article notes that Latino community is diverse but as a whole an underserved community and provides suggestions for improving services and outreach to the Latino community. [More Info]

• Building the Rhythm of Change: Developing Leadership and Improving Services Within the Battered Rural Immigrant Women's Community PDF (53 p.) by Gail Pendleton, Family Violence Prevention Fund (2001)
  This manual provides suggestions and guidance on how to organize a project aimed at improving services and eliminating barriers to safety for battered immigrant women through empowerment. [More Info]

• The Multilingual Access Model: A Model for Outreach and Services in Non-English Speaking Communities PDF (75 p.) by Beckie Masaki, Mimi Kim and Christy Chung, Asian Women's Shelter, San Francisco (1999)
  This project recruited and trained bicultural-bilingual advocates from area ethnic communities to provide assistance to victims and initiate outreach and awareness activities in their communities. Assistance to 6 providers created an area access plan. [More Info]

Cultural humility
The concept of “cultural humility” suggests that we engage in an ongoing process of self-awareness and self-reflection to recognize, understand, and respect different beliefs, values, and practices. It suggests being open and flexible to accept the cultural differences, to learn from others about their cultures, and to build relationships on similarities.

• Culture Handbook PDF (28 p.) by Sujata Warrier, Family Violence Prevention Fund (2005)
  This handbook highlights the importance of culture and provides guidance to develop cultural competency at the individual and organizational levels. [More Info]

• Developing Culturally-Relevant Responses to Domestic Abuse: Asha Family Services, Inc. PDF (56 p.) by Antonia Vann, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) (2003)
  Documents the development and growth of the first and only recognized culturally-specific family violence intervention and prevention program in Wisconsin which employs methods specific to serving African American families. [More Info]

• Overcoming Cultural Barriers in Working with Immigrant Battered Women PDF (4 p.) by Legal Momentum (1998)
  This information sheet for advocates provides tips for understanding and becoming sensitive to the barriers faced by immigrant women in seeking safety from domestic violence. [More Info]

Reducing the language barrier
The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence houses the Interpretation Technical Assistance & Resource Center (ITARC), available to provide technical assistance on developing, improving and maintaining the delivery of interpretation services for victims of domestic violence. ITARC is a national language access resource for OVW grantees, victim advocates from non-profits, non-governmental agencies, Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors (STOP) technical assistance grantees and programs providing culturally and linguistically specific services.

• Resource Guide for Advocates & Attorneys on Interpretation Services for Domestic Violence Victims PDF (122 p.) by Chic Dabby and Cannon Han, Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence (August 2009)
  These guidelines from the Interpretation Technical Assistance and Resource Center focus on court interpretation for domestic and sexual violence victims with limited English proficiency. [More Info]

• Reducing Language Barriers to Combating Domestic Violence: The Requirements of Title VI PDF (8 p.) by Carolyn Ham, Battered Women’s Justice Project, Western New York Law Center
  This paper highlights Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which stipulates that no person shall be subjected to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any federally funded programs or activities. [More Info]

• State Statutes Requiring the Provision of Foreign Language Interpreters to Parties in Civil Proceedings PDF (12 p.) by Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, for the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence (June 2007)
  This document provides a list of statutes by states on the use of interpreters in civil proceedings. [More Info]

• Identifying whether an Interpreter is Needed and Tips for Working with an Interpreter PDF (3 p.) by Legal Momentum
  This tip sheet presents information on how to determine if a client needs an interpreter and provides tips on working with interpreters to communicate effectively with clients. [More Info]

• Language Assistance Planning and Self-Assessment Tool PDF (18 p.) HTM (18 p.) by LEP.gov
  This document provides guidance to organizations that receive federal funds to self-assess their capabilities for other-than-English language services and planning for language assistance to clients with Limited English proficiency. [More Info]

• Quick Tips for Using an Interpreter HTML (1 p.) by Marie De Santis, Women's Justice Center/ Centro de Justicia Para Mujeres
  This information sheet provides suggestions for working with interpreters in cases involving immigrant survivors of domestic violence. [More Info]

• You have a Right to Be Free from Violence in Your Home, Questions and Answers for Immigrant and Refugee Women PDF (2 p.) by Family Violence Prevention Fund
  This brochure provides information to immigrant and refugee women on how to identify domestic violence, how to take actions to protect themselves, and about legal issues and eligibility for public benefits. [More Info]

• Safety Plan for Immigrant Women who are Victims of Domestic Violence PDF (11 p.) by Ayuda, Inc.
  This paper outlines safety planning for immigrant domestic violence victims. Information for those planning to leave an abusive relationship, those who have left and preventative measures for those who are not prepared to leave is included. [More Info]

• Special for Immigrant Women HTML (3 p.) by Marie De Santis, Women's Justice Center/ Centro de Justicia Para Mujeres
  This article provides information about U.S. federal law concerning immigrant women who experience domestic and sexual violence and encourages immigrant women to seek help for domestic violence. [More Info]

• Do You Have Problems at Home? Read About Your Rights in this Country PDF (9 p.) by Sonia Parras Konrad, Esq., ASISTA and Legal Momentum
  This document provides information to immigrant women about domestic violence, the US immigrant laws and rights, and public assistance available. [More Info]

• What a Battered Woman should Do if She is Arrested by INS PDF (1 p.) by Legal Momentum
  This pamphlet provides tips to immigrant women who have been abused on what to do and what not to do if they are arrested by INS. [More Info]

• Immigration Issues and Resources PDF (8 p.) by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
  This fact sheet provides legal information to immigrants who identify themselves as LGBT and immigrants who are HIV-positive. [More Info]

• Homes Free of Violence: Options and Help for Immigrant or Refugee Women PDF (2 p.) by National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence
  This brochure provides information on the options and help available for immigrant women who experience domestic violence. [More Info]

• Document Gathering for Self-Petitioning Under the Violence Against Women Act, A Step by Step Guide PDF (74 p.) by M. Mendelson, ASISTA
  This manual provides guidance on gathering necessary documents for VAWA self petition. [More Info]

• Know Your Rights PDF (2 p.) by Federal Interagency Working Group on Limited English Proficiency
  This brochure informs that all federally funded organizations are required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide interpreter services. The brochure provides guidance on how to identify and where to report National Origin Discrimination [More Info]

• Somewhere to Turn: Making Domestic Violence Services Accessible to Battered Immigrant Women - A 'How To' Manual For Battered Women's Advocates and Service Providers PDF (3 p.) HTML by Leslye E. Orloff and Rachael Little, AYUDA, Inc. (May 1999)
  Manual materials are offered to help 'develop individual agency programs and raise general awareness about the particular legal and social service issues affecting battered immigrants.' [More Info]

• Breaking the Silence: The Training Manual for Activist, Advocates and Latina Organizers PDF (128 p.) by S. P. Konrad, Family Violence Prevention Fund
  This training manual provides information to activists, advocates and organizers about community organizing for domestic violence prevention, on providing support to immigrant women in domestic violence situation, and about laws and benefits. [More Info]

• Engendering Change: Transforming Gender Roles in Asian and Pacific Islander Communities PDF (21 p.) by Chic Dabby and Grace Poore, Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence (August 2007)
  This report discusses the link between gender roles and domestic violence and presents two batterer intervention programs for Asian men that work toward changing misogynistic and sexist attitude. [More Info]

• Assisting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence, Advocate’s Guide PDF (8 p.) by Battered Women’s Justice Project
  This guide for advocates provides guidance on collaborating with immigrant and community agencies to effectively respond to the unique needs of battered immigrant women. [More Info]

• Assisting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence, Law Enforcement Guide PDF (8 p.) by Battered Women’s Justice Project
  This guide for law enforcement officers provide information about language and cultural issues faced by immigrant women, and immigration laws and services available for immigrant women. [More Info]

• Assisting Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence, Prosecutor’s Guide PDF (8 p.) by Battered Women’s Justice Project
  This document provides information to prosecutors on assisting immigrant victims of domestic violence, suggesting that prosecutors collaborate with community-based domestic violence and immigrant service organizations. [More Info]