VAWA Self Petition
Guiding You Every Step of the Way
Orlando VAWA Lawyers
Protecting Immigrants Throughout Orange County and Seminole County
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) includes significant provisions for immigrants, offering a pathway to legal status for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking.
For qualifying individuals, VAWA allows them to self-petition for lawful immigration status, eliminating the need to depend on an abusive spouse, parent, or other qualifying relative for sponsorship. This empowers immigrant survivors to escape harmful situations and rebuild their lives with the protections of the law.
Our experienced VAWA lawyers can meet either in person in our Orlando office or via video conference. Sherris Legal, P.A. has over 15 years of experience dealing with immigration law, and we know how to help you obtain these important legal protections.
VAWA is landmark legislation that plays an important role in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in the United States. Enacted in 1994, VAWA was designed to protect victims of violence, provide resources for their recovery, and hold perpetrators accountable.
VAWA was created in response to a growing awareness of the widespread nature of domestic violence and the lack of adequate resources or legal protections for victims. Before its enactment, many survivors faced societal stigmas and systemic challenges when seeking help, often finding little to no recourse through law enforcement or the courts. VAWA was introduced to change this dynamic, giving survivors access to the support they need while improving how the legal system responds to these crimes.
VAWA has had a profound impact on shaping public policy and cultural attitudes toward domestic violence. It has significantly expanded awareness of the issue, encouraging more individuals to speak out and seek help. The act also established legal mechanisms to improve protections, such as restraining orders or improved criminal penalties for abusers, empowering survivors to take legal steps toward safety.
Beyond its legal and financial provisions, VAWA fosters a larger societal shift toward holding abusers accountable and validating the experiences of survivors.
We keep you informed at every step, so you’ll never feel lost or alone in the legal process.
Personal Attention for Every Case
As a smaller firm, we give your case the care and focus it deserves. You’re never just a file to us—you’re a person who matters.
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We’re dedicated to making quality legal assistance accessible and affordable, so you can get the support you need without breaking the bank.
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“I will recommend Mary Sherris with my eyes closed 100%.”
Safred M.
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“They handled my case with dedication and caring and ere available at all times to answer questions, or solve problems with doctors.”
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“Everyone they sent me to was very nice and cared genuinely.”
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“Excellent People”
“From the first day I came to ask for information about my case, they made me feel so calm, they explained everything to me in detail, so I said: this is where they are going to help me.”
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All of these factors must be present to qualify for VAWA protection:
A relationship to the abuser: This includes being a current or former spouse, parent, or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The law focuses on protecting family members who are most vulnerable to intimate and household abuse.
Evidence of abuse or extreme cruelty: Documentation such as police reports, medical records, or affidavits from people who know about the abuse is often used as proof.
Good moral character: Applicants should not have serious criminal convictions or engagement in activities that might disqualify them.
Joint residence: To qualify, you must have lived with the abuser at some point during the relationship.
Securing VAWA protection can be a complex process. Our skilled attorneys know how to help clients navigate the legal system and make sure all legal requirements are met.
We begin by carefully listening to your story, assessing your case, and guiding you through gathering the documentation needed to prove abuse. We can prepare your application accurately and submit it on time, avoiding common pitfalls that could delay or jeopardize your case. We handle the legal complexities, freeing you to focus on your emotional well-being and safety.
Our VAWA lawyers understand the sensitive nature of these cases. We want to offer a safe and trusted space where survivors can voice their experiences. This not only makes the process less intimidating but also empowers clients to rebuild their lives with confidence. When you or your loved one comes to our Orlando office, you can count on professional diligence and personal compassion as you seek a fresh start.
Call (407) 598-6035 today. Our bilingual team works with both English and Spanish-speaking clients.
