The Reality of Domestic Violence: How Abusers Weaponize Immigration Status

In the midst of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s essential to use this time as an opportunity to focus attention on the wider complexity of domestic and intimate partner violence (DV and IPV, respectively).

Commonly, the challenges of undocumented people and survivors get siloed into their own conversations. But more often than you might think, the two are deeply interconnected — to the point that IPV survivors have had to circumvent the threats of deportation from their own abusers. In this piece, we highlight the legal and emotional ramifications of threatening immigration status as a form of control.

A Story of IPV and Immigration Status

For the safety of all involved, we’ve removed any identifying details about the individuals in this case.

In a recent case brought to DVP, an individual was married to their abuser in another country when they were much younger. Abuse developed very quickly, both from the spouse and their family. When the couple eventually came to the US, the abuser continued their violent behavior — and began threatening the survivor’s immigration status as a means of control. In other words, “If you leave me, you’re being sent away and never coming back.”

The threat of deportation is not uncommon from an abuser and often relies on the survivor’s lack of knowledge about the deeply complex US immigration system. Perpetrating continued control becomes not just a relationship issue, but a systemic one — highlighting how IPV becomes more prevalent when there’s a lack of transparency.

Luckily, the survivor found DVP — our immigration team was able to submit applications for U-visas (a protected status for victims of crimes) along with access to certain supporting benefits. Subsequently, our family law team secured an order of protection that prevented the abusive spouse from staying in proximity to the survivor. While the story is not over, the survivor has taken huge leaps forward by being empowered with the knowledge and legal protections they deserve — no longer threatened by the specter of deportation.

The Spectrum of Control in Domestic Violence

This issue of immigration status being weaponized against someone in order to continue and further facilitate abuse is not a one-off. Too often, we at DVP see these incredibly tricky and dangerous situations that confine survivors to their abusers. But with a better understanding of their rights and ability to stand up to these abusers, DVP-backed survivors have been able to circumvent their immigration challenges and create the lives for themselves and their families as they’ve always envisioned.

The story above highlights the deeply interconnected issues of IPV and immigration rights. It’s also a testament to the founding principles of the Domestic Violence Project, where our mission and funding enable us to handle these issues holistically. No story of abuse is simple — by combining the forces of our family law, immigration law, and personal advocacy teams, this individual now knows a healthier and safer life.

How to Respond to Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence

Remember — no situation is permanent. Catching a developing IPV situation early on is enormously important to protecting you and your loved ones. The Domestic Violence Project and organizations like ours offer resources to help anyone find their way out of abusive situations and set themselves on a path of recovery, safety, and liberation. 

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reach out to us:

• Contact our intake line: 1-833-321-4DVP (833.321.4387)
• Email us at dvp@urbanjustice.org
• Send us a direct message here

If you want to do more to help survivors of abuse in all forms, DVP welcomes the assistance of all types of volunteers, translators, and more.

Learn more about how you can support survivors and their children to live free of violence and abuse.

Ways to Support