More than 200 Immigrant Domestic Violence Victims, Afraid to Report Abuse, Aided in Permanent Residency Claims by Greater Boston Legal Services
Legal Services E-lert

Date of E-Lert – 09/19/08

Bibliographic Info:
Author: Maria Sacchetti
Source: Boston Globe
Date: September 12, 2008

The Boston Globe reports:   "Immigrants account for a disturbingly high share of domestic violence deaths in Massachusetts, advocates say, raising fears that the nation's heated immigration debate is deterring abuse victims from seeking help . . . .  Immigrants make up an estimated 14 percent of the state's population, but accounted for 26 percent of the 180 domestic violence deaths in Massachusetts from 1997 to 2006, according to the most recent figures from the state Department of Public Health . . . .  Federal immigration authorities said they do not generally deport victims of domestic violence who are here illegally.  They urge victims to report the crimes, a step that opens new avenues to apply for legal residency, such as a special visa for crime victims.  Greater Boston Legal Services, which has the main state contract for helping domestic violence victims, is helping more than 200 people apply for permanent legal residency."

Tags: Domestic Violence, Immigrants and Migrants, Legal Services Activities and Achievements