VAWA Lawyers in Arapahoe County, CO, Helping Victims Get the Help They Need
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1994 to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The law provides funding for victim services and law enforcement training, and it also creates new protections for victims. If you have been a victim of any of these crimes, you may be eligible for certain benefits under VAWA.
At McGuire Law, our experienced Arapahoe County VAWA lawyers can help you navigate the process of applying for benefits and ensure that your rights are protected. We have a long history of helping victims of domestic violence in Colorado, and we are here to help you too. Get in contact with our experienced family law immigration lawyers today at (720) 802-2705 to learn more about your options.
What is VAWA?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law passed in 1994 that provides funding and resources to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. VAWA also created the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) within the Department of Justice, which is responsible for administering these programs.
VAWA was reauthorized in 2000 and 2005, with additional provisions added to help victims of human trafficking and stalking. The most recent reauthorization occurred in 2013 when VAWA was expanded to include protections for Native American women and LGBT victims of domestic violence.
VAWA has been credited with reducing rates of domestic violence and helping more victims get the resources and support they need. It has also been criticized for not doing enough to address the root causes of gender-based violence and for its lack of funding for programs that serve minority and underserved populations. Our law firm represents immigrants who have been victims of domestic violence and other crimes, and we are committed to helping these survivors get the justice and protection they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or any other form of gender-based violence, please contact our office to learn more about your rights and options under VAWA.
What Are the Benefits of VAWA?
VAWA provides important protections and resources for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence. Some of the benefits of VAWA include:
- Funding for law enforcement training on how to better respond to domestic violence and sexual assault cases
- Grants to support victim services programs, including crisis hotlines, shelters, and counseling
- Legal assistance for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking
- Funding for research on the causes and prevalence of gender-based violence
- Education and prevention programs to help reduce rates of domestic violence
Why Should I Hire a VAWA Lawyer?
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or any other form of gender-based violence, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. A VAWA lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the process of seeking safety and justice.
Some immigrant victims may be eligible for certain benefits and protections under VAWA, such as:
- VAWA self-petitioners: Victims who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may be eligible to self-petition for legal status if they have been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent.
- U visas: Victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement may be eligible for a U visa, which provides work authorization and protection from deportation.
- T visas: Victims of human trafficking may be eligible for a T visa, which provides work authorization and protection from deportation.
An experienced VAWA lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for any of these benefits and assist you in filing the necessary applications.
Contact McGuire Law Today to Secure Your Family’s Future
The attorneys at McGuire Law are passionate about helping immigrants who have been victims of domestic violence and other crimes. We have helped many clients obtain legal status and protections under VAWA, and we are ready to put our experience and knowledge to work for you. For an initial consultation, call (720) 802-2705 to speak to our team today!