Domestic Violence
If someone you love is hurting or controlling you, the law is on your side, and free, confidential help is available today.
Also available in اردو, हिन्दी, বাংলা, and ਪੰਜਾਬੀ.
Three things to know
If you only read one section, read this one.
The abuse is not your fault. Nothing you said, wore, cooked, or did gives anyone the right to hurt you.
Hotline calls are free and confidential, with interpreters in over 200 languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, and Tamil.
Shelters, hotlines, and protection orders are open to everyone in the US, whatever your immigration status.
What does the law say?
The rules, in everyday words.
Abuse means more than hitting
Abuse can include physical violence, threats, constant insults, controlling all the money, and taking your passport or immigration papers. Courts in every state can order protection from violence and threats, and many states cover controlling behavior too.
Protection does not depend on your status
Abuse is illegal no matter your immigration status, your visa, or who you married. You can call the police, go to court, and ask for a protection order, which is a court order telling the abuser to stay away.
Marriage gives no one the right to hurt you
In the United States, a husband has no legal right to hit, threaten, or force his wife into anything. Forced sex in marriage is also a crime in every state.
Special immigration paths for survivors
A law called VAWA, the Violence Against Women Act, lets some abused spouses of US citizens or green card holders apply for legal status themselves, privately, without the abuser knowing or helping.
What can I do next?
- 1If you are in danger right now, call 911 Police must respond no matter your immigration status. If English is hard, say your language and ask for an interpreter, a person who translates for free.
- 2Call or text the Hotline The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, is free, confidential, and open all day and night. Advocates can help you think through your choices.
- 3Make a quiet safety plan Keep copies of passports, IDs, children's papers, and some cash with a trusted friend. Memorize one important phone number. Plan a safe place to go if you ever need to leave quickly.
- 4Keep records of the abuse Save threatening texts, photos of injuries, and names of witnesses. See a doctor and tell them what happened. Police and medical records can later support a protection order or immigration case.
- 5Learn your legal options WomensLaw.org explains protection orders and immigration protections in plain language, state by state. LawHelp.org can connect you with free legal aid, lawyers who help people at no cost.
Who can help for free?
Real people, no cost, and interpreters are available when you ask.
911 Emergency
For immediate danger. Police and ambulance respond regardless of immigration status.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free confidential support all day and night, safety planning, interpreters in over 200 languages.
WomensLaw.org
Plain-language legal information on abuse and protection orders for every state, plus a free email hotline.
LawHelp.org
Finds free legal aid offices near you for protection orders, divorce, custody, and immigration.