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.