VAWA Question

[JAYWALKN713 0]

Hello everyone,

 

I have been in a emotional and abusive relationship for 4 years.  I recently discovered that there is help for women like me through VAWA or a U Visa.  My question is, we are not legally married, we are only common law married (for 3 years) in the state of Texas, am I eligible to apply for status even though I am not legally married to him?  My relationship has become unbearable and yesterday he choked me out for no reason.  I can't leave my home since I have no where to go and no help from anyone.  I don't know what to do anymore.  This is my last hope to get out of this hell that is slowly killing me.  My husband is just a narcissist and he always blames me for the way that he treats me.  There's some months that he's ok, but eventually he goes back to the abuse.  I can't take it anymore.  I have tried calling the cops but they don't take him to jail because they just consider it domestic disputes.  I do have proof (pictures) of the bruises he has left me and also I can provide witnesses that can vouch how abusive he has been to me in front of them.  Any replies or help is appreciated.

[Sandra G. 5,048]

 

Clean your browser after posting/login here, in case your husband has access to your cellphone or computer.

 

First of all, call the National Violence Hotline and find a shelter for victims of domestic violence and leave immediately. Do not tell your husband when you are leaving, pack your stuff and leave, if you are not able to pack yours belongs because your husband is at home, go outside call 911 and tell the 911 operator  that you are a victim of abuse and you need  the police comes to your house in order for you to get your belongs and leave, and say you fear for your life, wait for the cops outside the house.  You should file a police report because the abuse you suffered.

 

To file VAWA you must be married or to live in a State that recognizes "common-law marriage and if yes you need to find out if your  State requires you to record the common Law marriage with State or local authorities.   Common Law marriage occurs when a couple lives together, and holds themselves out as husband and wife, without being legally married. To file VAwa you must prove abuse, to prove abuse you should have a police report and/or a shelter letter, restraining order, hospital letter, or a psychological evaluation stating you were abused and if you will need a diagnose of Post Traumatic Disorder and/or Depression due to the abuse suffered.

 

 To file U visa you don't need to be married but you MUST HAVE A POLICE REPORT an obtain a  U Nonimmigrant Status Certification (I-918)issued by any Federal, state, or local law enforcement authority, including prosecutors and judges,  stating that you collaborated with the investigation of the criminal activity.

Edited October 26, 2017 by sandranj

[JAYWALKN713 0]

I called the hotline. No spaces. Told me to check on a few days. But i did set up an appointment For counseling. I wanna see what options do I have and how they can help me 

[Sandra G. 5,048]

11 hours ago, JAYWALKN713 said:

I called the hotline. No spaces. Told me to check on a few days. But i did set up an appointment For counseling. I wanna see what options do I have and how they can help me 

Go to the police and report the abuse sufferee and ask the POLICE  to take you to a shelter for victims  of domestic violence, they will take you, the  police can find a shelter available for you.

[JAYWALKN713 0]

Thank you.  I've tried calling the police in the past and since there was no obvious marks on me they didn't take him to jail and just classified it as a domestic dispute.  I'm gonna keep calling the shelters.  I made an appointment, I wanna see how long will I be able to live there.  I can't get out of my house if I'm only able to stay for a few days/weeks.  Then I would have no where to go.  I need to plan this out.