Model - Basic Services
Basic Services
Accessing basic services is typically a greater challenge for battered immigrants than for non-immigrant survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Perhaps the greatest challenge is waiting for a work permit to enable them to support their families. Immigrants also face discrimination from service providers who are unaware of their rights as victims or do not know where to refer them.
The role of basic services in the model is:
- Public awareness
- Education and training programs for victims and children
- Establishing safety and confidentiality for victims
- Referring of victims to legal services and victim services
- Providing medical and counseling services and referrals
- Providing for basic needs (housing, food, clothing)
- Assisting with job services once work authorization comes through
- Gathering documentation for VAWA self-petitions and other immigration relief
|
Basic service providers may be the first link that an immigrant victim has with the VAWA process
|
Resources: Serving Immigrant Victims
- Access to Domestic Violence Services for Immigrant Survivors - Casa de Esparanza presention
- Domestic Violence and Immigrant Women
- Power and Control Wheel -- Immigrant Women
- Barriers for Rural Women
- Barriers to Leaving for Immigrant Women
- Do's and Don'ts for Immigrant Women
- Safety Planning
- Conozca sus Derechos (Know Your Rights)
- How to Help in the Healthcare Setting
