Immigration
Immigrants and refugees are welcome here. We will keep your story confidential. We can provide services in many languages. We're here to help.
Safe Passage provides legal representation to survivors of domestic violence who meet the eligibility criteria for various federal visas. Survivors of domestic violence can qualify for four types of visas, each with distinct requirements.
VAWA Visa
A self-petition visa enables the survivor to obtain a work permit and a green card without needing the spouse's participation. Survivors may be eligible to become a lawful permanent resident (get a Green Card) if they are the victim of battery or extreme cruelty committed by their American or Legal permanent resident spouse. The requirement for this visa is that they are legally married.
T Visa
Available for survivors of human trafficking who have been forced to work or enter a sexual relationship through coercion, fraud, or abuse of power by their abuser.
U Visa
Survivors of domestic violence who have filed a police report against their abusive partner are eligible for a U visa. The survivor doesn't need to be in a legal marriage to the abuser, nor does their abuser need to have an immigration status. The only requirement to qualify for a U visa is that the survivor of domestic violence has reported the abuse to the police.
Asylum
Individuals who have suffered from domestic violence and must flee their country of origin on such grounds may be eligible to apply for asylum if they have registered at the border. To qualify for asylum, the individual must have entered the border legally, and must not have exceeded one year since their entry.
It is important to note that each visa type has specific eligibility criteria that are crucial to understand before applying. Safe Passage can help survivors navigate the complex legal system and assist them in obtaining the necessary documentation to apply for these visas. This service, like all services at Safe Passage, is free of charge.
We're Here for Everyone
Safe Passage advocates work towards safety, healing, and justice for our entire community. We are here for everyone who has experienced domestic violence or relationship abuse.
LGBTQ+ survivors
We know that domestic violence happens to people of all genders and sexual orientations. We are committed to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of our services. Our support groups and individual counseling are open to people of all genders.
Children
Safe Passage is here for children who have witnessed domestic violence or experienced abuse, and their supportive adults.
Survivors with disabilities
Our office is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Our counselor/advocates can help with medical and disability-related concerns.
Latino survivors
Se Habla Español. Safe Passage ofrece sus servicios en Inglés y Español, en nuestra oficina de Northampton y en localidades en nuestra comunidad.
We offer services in English and Spanish, at our office in Northampton and in locations throughout the community.
Immigrants
Immigrants and refugees are welcome here. We will not ask for any documents. We will keep your story confidential. We can provide services in many languages. We're here to help.
Las personas inmigrantes y refugiados son bienvenidos a Safe Passage. No pedimos documentación. Sus historias son confidenciales. Proveemos servicios en varios idiomas. Estamos aqui para ayudarles.
Other ways we can help
Support Groups
Safe Passage offers a variety of support groups for survivors who want to share their experiences with others. Our support groups are facilitated by staff counselors.
Counseling
Legal issues are often key to a family's ability to be safe and build a new life. Our Legal Program provides legal advice and representation to survivors of domestic violence with cases in Probate and Family Court.
Children's Services
Children’s Program staff act as children’s allies, advocating for each child's needs with family members, teachers, and service providers. Safe Passage also offers a weekly Parenting Group for parents of children who have experienced domestic violence.