Undocumented Survivors of Domestic Violence Struggle to Get the Resources They Need to Survive in New York City.
BY: FLORENCE MAFOMEMEH
Introduction
Many undocumented survivors of domestic violence in New York City struggle to gain access to resources due to their undocumented status. City officials tell them that help is available at the Family Justice Centers located in all five boroughs. But some undocumented survivors say they don’t get all the help help they need.
These victims and survivors bring with them the scars of abuse from their exes, to seek help from the city.
These victims and survivors bring with them the scars of abuse from their exes, to seek help from the city.
VIDEO STORY
Aparna Reyes - Domestic Violence Survivor:
“In the shelter, they help the ones that have papers. If you're a citizen and you have papers, then they help you out get a job. They'll help with anything. I don't have papers to go work legally anywhere.”
“In the shelter, they help the ones that have papers. If you're a citizen and you have papers, then they help you out get a job. They'll help with anything. I don't have papers to go work legally anywhere.”
Christine Quinn-President of Women In Need - WIN:
“It is harder for undocumented people because the vouchers include federal money and that federal money is obviously not usable for people who are undocumented.”
“It is harder for undocumented people because the vouchers include federal money and that federal money is obviously not usable for people who are undocumented.”
Shilpy Chatterjee: Domestic Violence Advocate at Sakhi for South Asian Women:
"I think for an undocumented person, there are hurdles everywhere. Like I think from the day one that they start everywhere you go specially with benefits with the legal system with the police system, with the job system. I mean, nobody wants to offer a job to a person who doesn't have papers, right? I mean, so the challenge is a numerous, it's, it's huge."
"I think for an undocumented person, there are hurdles everywhere. Like I think from the day one that they start everywhere you go specially with benefits with the legal system with the police system, with the job system. I mean, nobody wants to offer a job to a person who doesn't have papers, right? I mean, so the challenge is a numerous, it's, it's huge."
Statistics
According to the most recent Comptroller's report, DV has become the number 1 cause of homelessness. This is one of the biggest issues that the undocumented and even documented survivors of domestic violence are struggling with. They all turn to the Family Justice Centers for help.
According to the most recent Comptroller's report, DV has become the number 1 cause of homelessness. This is one of the biggest issues that the undocumented and even documented survivors of domestic violence are struggling with. They all turn to the Family Justice Centers for help.
AUDIO
This survivor who just wants to be called Joyce has been in the shelter with her two little kids for over two years. Here is her experience with the Family Justice Center on Jay Street in Brooklyn.
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The VAWA - Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, a vital piece of legislation that helps undocumented survivors of domestic violence is now stalled in the US Senate as eligible survivors like Aparna wait with no access to to resources. New York Congresswoman, Carolyn Maloney along with other New York City officials are calling on the Senate to quickly pass the Reauthorization Act.
* Funding help for this project came from the Judith Watson Investigative Fund and the Newmark J-School Graduate Student Council-GSC.
December 23, 2019