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Domestic Violence 101: Where can help be found for Austin's immigrant communities?
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There has been a recent policy shift in the United States that grants asylum and refugee status to immigrants who are “victims of severe domestic beatings and sexual abuse.” Although officials are worried about a deluge of new applications for refugee status based on this provision, of primary concern is how many applicants are either pending or have been denied up to this point. Since applications for asylum are confidential and considered on a case-by-case basis, it is unclear how many victims of abuse have applied and subsequently had to return to maltreatment. At least in allowing the asylum option, we (as a global society) will gain a better sense of how many people are trying to escape abuse and hopefully be able to help those in need.
Abuse does not disappear at the borderline, but an asylum seeker may not have access to protective organizations in their home country. Immigrant communities in the United States are fortunate to have a number of options available for help in the case of domestic violence or abuse. In Austin, there are a number of organizations that target their support to victims of domestic violence and the immigrant community.
PAPA (aka American Gateways) - promotes justice for immigrants and refugees by providing free and low-cost legal services and education. Its programs include assistance for asylum seekers and immigrant survivors of abuse.
Saheli - is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to Asian families dealing with domestic violence and abuse.
SafePlace - offers shelter, counseling, advocacy, and education for victims of sexual and domestic violence. Their services are not limited to immigrant communities.
Texas Council on Family Violence - promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence.
Lifeworks - offers social and counseling services through strategically located community-based centers that offer a continuum of services for at-risk youth.
More info:
There were several questions and comments regarding refugees and asylum seekers following a previous article on Casa Marianella. For up-to-date information about refugees and asylees, please see the Annual Flow Report from the Office of Immigration Statistics - June 2009 (PDF).
For a more detailed description of the case that led to the recent shift in U.S. policy, please see the Declaration of Support, which details the story of the individual asylum seeker.
Source: New Policy Permits Asylum for Battered Women by Julia Preston, NY Times, July 15, 2009.
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