Laura's Message of Hope

Laura* was married to a Green Card holder who physically abused her. The Violence Against Women Act created a special route to lawful immigration status for victims of domestic abuse who normally must rely on their abusers to file for status for them. Laura’s VAWA petition was granted earlier this week so she is now eligible to apply for a Green Card for herself and her daughter! Below is her message for women in situations similar to what she endured.

For all those women who are experiencing domestic violence, I ask you with all my heart not to remain silent, to seek help to get out of that domestic violence that you are experiencing. As a woman, you have the right to speak because you are not alone. I know that if you seek help from the right people, that they will help you, and they will not leave you alone at any time. Do not be afraid because there is help for us women who are in the very serious situation that is domestic violence.

And I am here giving this message because I am a woman who experienced domestic violence, with my daughter. And thank God I did not remain silent. I sought help for my daughter and myself, and we are alive — fighting every day to get ahead and without domestic violence. Every day that passes I thank God for another day of life that he gives to my daughters and me. And now I know that there is a lot of help for women if you are going through this. Do not be afraid, please speak up, seek help because there is help.

For my daughter and myself, it means a great victory filled with much happiness and tears of joy. I feel happy because God put RILA in my path.

* Name has been changed.