VAWA Confidentiality
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has a powerful tool to help survivors: confidentiality. Here's how it works:
Keeping Your Information Safe:
Privacy You Deserve: Information you share in a VAWA case, including personal details and proof of abuse, is kept confidential by USCIS.
Protected from Others: USCIS can't disclose your identity or application details to anyone except for those legally authorized or directly involved in your case.
Why Confidentiality Matters:
Safety First: This provision safeguards your information from abusers or anyone who might put you at risk.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your information is confidential allows you to come forward and seek help without fear of retaliation.
Exceptions (Rare Cases):
Legal Requirements: There are limited situations where USCIS may disclose information, like for law enforcement investigations or court orders.
Case Decisions: Information might be shared if necessary to make a decision on your VAWA application.
The Power of Confidentiality:
By keeping your information safe, VAWA empowers survivors to seek a path to safety and independence.