mmasechaba

I'm just curious about the progress of VAWA filers.

My timeline is as follows;

Sent package to Vermont on April 7th.

Got prima facie on April 15th

Prima facie expired and got a new one in October.

Still waiting.

I will be sending in more info (like letter from my therapist etc) next week.

Basically, it's just been a long wait. Fortunately, I just recently discovered that I can apply for Federal Financial Aid for college based on my prima facie determination. I wish they would allow us to file for an EAD, though. The waiting is the worst part especially now that I'm on break from school. I am actually yearning for school to start.

How is everyone else coping?

Hi,I`m on the same situation as you.But i have just filed for my I360 and waiting for my report from my immigration therapist.My wish is to go to college in August but i thought i would need to wait for my paprework to be done before i do that.can you explain to me more about that please.

I went through the VAWA process after being married for only 8 months. My ex assaulted me and was arrested for third degree assault. This was in July 2006. I believe that you can file the I-360 and I-485 concurrently - the pending I-485 would then allow you to file for a work permit at the same time. I filed my I-360 in Sept 2006 - it was approved in Oct 2007. I am still waiting for my interview (my I-485 was pending from the time my ex had filed for me - my attorneys had sent them a letter asking them to put a hold on it while the I-360 was being filed).

The agencies that I had contacted and who helped me (they may be able to point you in the right direction to get help in your area):

Sanctuary for Families: (212) 349-6009 (Family Court)

City Bar Justice Center: (212) 383-6600 (Immigration)

South Brooklyn Legal Services: (718) 237-5500 (Housing Court and Divorce Court)

Brooklyn Women's Services: (718) 748-1234 (Therapy)

Sanctuary helped me get my initial order of protection in Family Court. South Brooklyn helped me with Housing Court when the landlord tried to evict me - NY law allowed me to have the lease changed into my name even though the only name on the lease was my ex. Sanctuary gave me a grant to pay off the back rent once I could show them that I was working and would be able to pay the future rent. My ex took the plea deal in Criminal Court to avoid jail and I got two final orders of protection from both Family and Criminal Courts. South Brooklyn also helped me with my divorce (he had tried to get an annulment).

I also applied for, and got a brand new social security number from the Social Security Administration in my maiden name (domestic violence victims are allowed to apply for a new number - it is on their website).

Now, with all that said, your first priority is SAFETY! And you should also document everything. (In my case I had an arrest report and eye witnesses and many 911 calls from neighbors (he was on top of me in the hallway of my apartment building after he had succeeded in forcing me out of the apartment)). Talk to people who know your situation and those who have witnessed it firsthand and ask them to write affidavits on your behalf. Be honest and be strong.

ALL of my attorneys for everything were free of cost. My therapy was also free.

Good luck.