You Are Not Alone – Help Is Available
If you are an immigrant survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, you have legal rights and resources in North Carolina, regardless of your immigration status. There are resources available to protect you and help you achieve safety and stability.
I: Emergency Planning
North Carolina Justice Center + El Pueblo + ACLU
- Familias Seguras. Guía de emergencia para inmigrantes (Safe Families: An Emergency Guide for Immigrants)
League of United Latin American Citizens
- El Escudo: Immigrant Rights and Resources Toolkit
II: Utilizing Public Benefits & the Right to Education
- Rights to Education, Safety in Schools, and Privacy of Information flyer – Every Child NC
- Immigrant Access to Health & Nutrition Programs Brochure – NC Justice Center
- North Carolina Immigrant Eligibility for Nutrition Programs (including Public Charge info) – NC Justice Center
III: Legal Protections & Immigration Relief
1. Protection Orders (50B & 50C Orders)
- 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO): Provides legal protection from an abusive partner or family member, including removal from a shared home and temporary custody arrangements.
- 50C Civil No-Contact Order: For survivors of sexual assault or stalking who do not have a personal relationship with the perpetrator.
- How to Apply: Visit your local courthouse or contact Legal Aid of NC for assistance.
2. Immigration Options for Survivors
- U Visa: Available for victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sexual assault, who cooperate with law enforcement.
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Self-Petition: Allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply for legal status independently of their abuser.
- T Visa: Protection for survivors of human trafficking who assist law enforcement in investigations.
- Asylum: Survivors who face danger if they return to their home country may qualify for asylum protections.
3. Importance of Law Enforcement Helpfulness for U Visa Applicants
- Cooperation with law enforcement is a requirement for U Visa eligibility. Survivors must provide evidence that they have been, or are willing to be, helpful in the investigation or prosecution of a qualifying crime.
- Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, or judges must complete a U Visa Certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) to confirm cooperation.
- If law enforcement refuses to provide certification, survivors may still seek assistance from advocacy groups or attorneys who can help navigate alternative legal options.
- More Info on Law Enforcement Certification
IV: General Resources for Immigrant Survivors
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Offers 24/7 confidential support and resources for survivors of domestic violence. Provides assistance in multiple languages.
- NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Provides legal advocacy, safety planning, and crisis resources specific to North Carolina residents.
- NC Victim Assistance Network: Helps crime victims access legal resources and emotional support.
- Esperanza United (Latina Survivors Support): Culturally relevant advocacy and support services for Latina survivors.
- Safe Alliance (Charlotte, NC): Offers emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and case management for survivors, with services available in Spanish.
- North Carolina Justice Center – Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project: Offers legal representation and policy advocacy for immigrants in NC.
- North Carolina Hispanic Resource Center: Connects Hispanic immigrants with legal, financial, and mental health resources.
- Proyecto de Ayuda para Víctimas Inmigrantes – Legal Aid of NC: Focuses on providing legal services to immigrant survivors.
V: How to Get Help Today
- If you are in danger, call 911.
- For legal assistance for immigrant survivors, call Immigration Pathways for Victims (IMMPAV) Helpline during intake hours at 866-204-7612:
- Tuesday: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- For crisis support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233