Financial Abuse and Financial Safety Planning Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Six tips for domestic violence victims and survivors that are seeking to secure their financial future.

Financial Safety Planning

Financial safety and understanding financial abuse.

Gun Violence or "Red Flag" Restraining Order

You can ask for a firearms restraining order against a close family member if you are afraid they may hurt themselves, or another person, with a gun. This resource has more information on how to ask for these orders from a judge. This also has information for people accused of domestic violence who have been served restraining orders.

Resources for Victims of Cyber Exploitation

Resources for people who have had intimate photos or videos published or distributed without their consent. The resources include a background on what cyber exploitation is, an overview of relevant laws, and victims' rights, and many resources that may help.

New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims

Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.

Financial Safety Planning

Financial safety and understanding financial abuse.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you can contact this hotline for support.

Emergency Preparedness: Childcare Safety Plan

The CSP is a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), user-friendly and self-help template for a parent to designate another adult as a caregiver for their minor child and give that caregiver the authority and information necessary to care for the child. In addition, the CSP educates parents about the difference between caregivers and guardians and attaches the Caregiver Authorization Affidavit and the Nomination of (Joint) Guardian legal forms and a POA for travel of minor child abroad.

Emergency Preparedness: Family Financial Plan

Financial planning for families in emergencies/deportation situations. Document authored by Ventures, which aims to partner with rural Latino working-class families in California’s central Coast

Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees

In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.

Gun Violence or "Red Flag" Restraining Order

You can ask for a firearms restraining order against a close family member if you are afraid they may hurt themselves, or another person, with a gun. This resource has more information on how to ask for these orders from a judge. This also has information for people accused of domestic violence who have been served restraining orders.

Avoiding Fraud by Immigration Consultants

If you're looking for help with an immigration issue and want to hire an immigration consultant rather than an attorney, it's important to understand what an immigration consultant can and cannot do for you. This resource includes a few tips to avoid fraud.

Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?

The court can help protect people who have been abused or threatened with abuse by someone you dated, lived with, or are related to. This sheet has information on the kinds of relationships that qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, how to get such an order from the court, and the confidential address program.

Financial Abuse and Financial Safety Planning Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Six tips for domestic violence victims and survivors that are seeking to secure their financial future.

Financial Safety Planning

Financial safety and understanding financial abuse.

Find an Immigration Lawyer

Protect yourself and your family. Get immigration advice from a licensed professional.

Immigration Benefits for Battered or Abused Family Members

As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Legal Resources for Immigrants

If you are seeking legal assistance for citizenship or immigration status, this pamphlet can serve as a starting point to find the legal services you need.

Permanent Residence for Victims of Crimes

This page includes information about obtaining lawful status if you are the victim of certain crimes (including domestic abuse) and can obtain a certification that you are, have been or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage

You are given conditional resident status on the day you are lawfully admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa or adjustment of your status to permanent residence.

Violence Against Women Act

Immigrant victims are protected by federal law.

Appeals and Motions: Questions and Answers

You may file an appeal on some unfavorable decisions to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?

The court can help protect people who have been abused or threatened with abuse by someone you dated, lived with, or are related to. This sheet has information on the kinds of relationships that qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, how to get such an order from the court, and the confidential address program.

New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims

Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.

An Immigration Filing Fee Waiver

Recognizing that some applicants cannot pay the filing fees, USCIS established a fee waiver process for certain forms and benefit types.

Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!

The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.

Domestic Violence Help Near You

This map is a useful tool for finding domestic violence organizations in your community who are Members of the Partnership. Some organizations are able to provide legal services, shelter services, and other support for people experiencing domestic violence.

Emergency Preparedness: Childcare Safety Plan

The CSP is a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), user-friendly and self-help template for a parent to designate another adult as a caregiver for their minor child and give that caregiver the authority and information necessary to care for the child. In addition, the CSP educates parents about the difference between caregivers and guardians and attaches the Caregiver Authorization Affidavit and the Nomination of (Joint) Guardian legal forms and a POA for travel of minor child abroad.

Find USCIS Field Offices Near You

Field Offices handle scheduled interviews on non-asylum related applications.

Immigration LawHelp: Find Legal Assistance with Your Immigration Case Near You

This interactive map and search engine that will help you find legal assistance near you.

Immigration Legal Service Providers

List of immigration LS in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.

Medical Care Access for Immigrant Communities

List of health and wellness services in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.

New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims

Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.

An Immigration Filing Fee Waiver

Recognizing that some applicants cannot pay the filing fees, USCIS established a fee waiver process for certain forms and benefit types.

Appeals and Motions: Questions and Answers

You may file an appeal on some unfavorable decisions to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees

In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.

Ask WomensLaw.org a Question!

The purpose of this Email Hotline is for WomensLaw to provide basic legal information, referrals, and emotional support. The purpose of this Email Hotline is to provide U.S.-based legal information related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. All emails are answered or reviewed by an attorney. However, we cannot provide legal advice or representation and we cannot call you on the phone. You can expect to receive a response within 1-5 business days.

Avoiding Fraud by Immigration Consultants

If you're looking for help with an immigration issue and want to hire an immigration consultant rather than an attorney, it's important to understand what an immigration consultant can and cannot do for you. This resource includes a few tips to avoid fraud.

Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Help Me?

The court can help protect people who have been abused or threatened with abuse by someone you dated, lived with, or are related to. This sheet has information on the kinds of relationships that qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, how to get such an order from the court, and the confidential address program.

Check Your Immigration Case Status Service Online

Use your application receipt number to check your case status online.

Domestic Violence Help Near You

This map is a useful tool for finding domestic violence organizations in your community who are Members of the Partnership. Some organizations are able to provide legal services, shelter services, and other support for people experiencing domestic violence.

Emergency Preparedness: Childcare Safety Plan

The CSP is a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), user-friendly and self-help template for a parent to designate another adult as a caregiver for their minor child and give that caregiver the authority and information necessary to care for the child. In addition, the CSP educates parents about the difference between caregivers and guardians and attaches the Caregiver Authorization Affidavit and the Nomination of (Joint) Guardian legal forms and a POA for travel of minor child abroad.

Emergency Preparedness: Family Financial Plan

Financial planning for families in emergencies/deportation situations. Document authored by Ventures, which aims to partner with rural Latino working-class families in California’s central Coast

Financial Abuse and Financial Safety Planning Tips for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Six tips for domestic violence victims and survivors that are seeking to secure their financial future.

Financial Safety Planning

Financial safety and understanding financial abuse.

Find an Immigration Lawyer

Protect yourself and your family. Get immigration advice from a licensed professional.

Find USCIS Field Offices Near You

Field Offices handle scheduled interviews on non-asylum related applications.

Find What an Immigration-Related Word Means Here

You can use this dictionary to quickly look up a definition or explanation for a topic.

Immigration Benefits for Battered or Abused Family Members

As a battered spouse, child or parent, you may file an immigrant visa petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Immigration LawHelp: Find Legal Assistance with Your Immigration Case Near You

This interactive map and search engine that will help you find legal assistance near you.

ImmigrationLawHelp.org

ImmigrationLawHelp.org is a searchable online directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. Users can search ImmigrationLawHelp.org by state, zip code, or detention facility. Users can also refine their search by types and areas of legal assistance provided, populations served, languages spoken, other areas of legal assistance, and non-legal services provided.

Legal Resources for Immigrants

If you are seeking legal assistance for citizenship or immigration status, this pamphlet can serve as a starting point to find the legal services you need.

New Social Security Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims

Sometimes, the best way to evade an abuser and reduce the risk of further violence may be to relocate and establish a new identity. Following these changes, getting a new Social Security number may also be helpful.

Permanent Residence for Victims of Crimes

This page includes information about obtaining lawful status if you are the victim of certain crimes (including domestic abuse) and can obtain a certification that you are, have been or will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage

You are given conditional resident status on the day you are lawfully admitted to the United States on an immigrant visa or adjustment of your status to permanent residence.

Sus Derechos

Provides immigrant communities in the tri-county region of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz with reliable and up-to-date information about their rights in this country. Resources include connections to legal assistance, practical guides, and answers to common questions to help you and your families navigate everything from education and work to accessing essential services.

Tips for Filing Forms with USCIS

Form fees, eligibility requirements, fee waiver eligibility, required documents, and mailing addresses vary depending on the form you are filing and why you are filing.

Violence Against Women Act

Immigrant victims are protected by federal law.

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