Sexual Assault while On Student Visa

[photog82 1]

I just found out a friend of my was sexually assaulted recently, and am trying to encourage her to report it because I seriously doubt it is this man's first time doing this. She is here on a student visa and is due to go back to her home country by the end of May. She's worried that if she calls the police and reports him this could effect future Visas to the U.S.. She is also concerned that this could effect her being able to go back home. Has anyone had any experience with any situations like this? Any comments appreciated! Thanks

[MacUK 983]

How would it affect future visas? She's the victim, not the perpetrator.

I'd say tell her to report it soonest before someone else gets attacked too.

[JohnR! 5,495]

It shouldn't affect her visa status or any future visas. She needs to report it. Remind her that if this isn't the first time this guy does this, there will be others down the line if she does nothing.

I just found out a friend of my was sexually assaulted recently, and am trying to encourage her to report it because I seriously doubt it is this man's first time doing this. She is here on a student visa and is due to go back to her home country by the end of May. She's worried that if she calls the police and reports him this could effect future Visas to the U.S.. She is also concerned that this could effect her being able to go back home. Has anyone had any experience with any situations like this? Any comments appreciated! Thanks

[photog82 1]

I didn't think it in anyway would effect her chance of future visas either. She says in her home country they usually blame the woman for the assault, so I think it's a very different view of things than here. I thought it would be good for her to see that it's not that way here. But does anyone know if there is a case brought up against this guy if they will make her stay in this country?

[JohnR! 5,495]

They can't hold her here against her will.

I didn't think it in anyway would effect her chance of future visas either. She says in her home country they usually blame the woman for the assault, so I think it's a very different view of things than here. I thought it would be good for her to see that it's not that way here. But does anyone know if there is a case brought up against this guy if they will make her stay in this country?

[Boiler 45,527]

U Visa comes to mind, she should be able to get a GC out of it.

[MacUK 983]

U Visa comes to mind, she should be able to get a GC out of it.

Except there's no mention of wanting a GC

[Moustafa/Crystal 65]

You should let her know that being a victim of a violent crime would put her on the fast track to being an LPR if that is something she wants.

[ascertainLovE 165]

I didn't think it in anyway would effect her chance of future visas either. She says in her home country they usually blame the woman for the assault, so I think it's a very different view of things than here. I thought it would be good for her to see that it's not that way here. But does anyone know if there is a case brought up against this guy if they will make her stay in this country?

Unfortunately, the same victim-blaming culture goes on here but that shouldn't deter her. The sooner she comes forward the better. There are many people like her and there are support groups in her area, that I am sure. It was not her fault, she did nothing wrong.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Wow.

OP asked about reporting an assault and future visa implications, and some of you see the assault as a means to get a green card. The OP never mentioned her friend wants to immigrate.

Wow.

[Boiler 45,527]

She is here on a Student visa and from it sounds a third world islamic country.

[JohnR! 5,495]

In fact, the OP mentioned the very opposite. She is worried she won't be able to leave until the investigation is completed. But as always, it's easier to blame the victim and to add insult to injury in suggesting that she's trying to scam a greencard out of her rape.

There is no facepalm big enough sometimes...

Wow.

OP asked about reporting an assault and future visa implications, and some of you see the assault as a means to get a green card. The OP never mentioned her friend wants to immigrate.

Wow.

[MacUK 983]

She is here on a Student visa and from it sounds a third world islamic country.

Boily, I wouldn't have thought it of you but you're going down the 'EVERYBODY wants to live in the States' path.

Maybe she does come from a third world country but that doesn't mean she wants to leave it if that's where she calls home.

Not everyone in the world wants a greencard.

Edited March 28, 2015 by MacUK

[Darnell 8,478]

So,. Mr. Friend, call the campus police, ask about it, get other input.

[Villanelle 4,122]

Hmph.

Student Visa? Sexual Assault? Was this an on campus incident?

Darnell mentioned "campus police". Very important piece of information there to consider...

In plain English- when something happens 'on campus' where there are 'campus police' in charge its totally different then a public street where the regular police and criminal courts are in charge. It goes through the schools 'mock court system' and the statistics and punishments for sexual assaults are disgusting. Very few are punished- even repeat offenders. Its a complicated and controversial issue but the bottom line is - no one wants to be the school boasting a tag line of we have a high rate of sexual assaults/crimes happening here every year! So most are found innocent.

This should not discourage someone from reporting as there are groups and organizations working hard for change and any victim should seek out assistance and counseling for the trauma they went through regardless if justice is served on the perpetrator. (She is still a victim whether he is found guilty or not by the school or punished) And reporting does make a difference.

It will in no way effect her current visa or ability to obtain another one. If she is needed to stay longer for any sort of court type proceedings they will make the appropriate accommodations to keep her legal and in status. (whatever that may be)- whomever is in charge of the 'prosecution' would discuss that with her if it comes to that.

The decision would be up to her if she would want to participate and stay and testify or choose to leave- if it came down to that. (Something that pushed it beyond May-her scheduled leave by date)

In extreme cases - it is not unheard of for a court to subpoena somebody or to order them to not leave the jurisdiction as they are a material witness. But this does not sound like an extreme case where something like that would happen. This sounds more like a campus matter where they dont have that kind of power- so if she wants to leave and not participate in the hearings she can.