Abusive individuals may exploit an individual's undocumented or immigrant status to control, manipulate, and isolate them. Here are a few examples of how this can manifest:

Threatening to Report to Authorities: An abusive partner may threaten to contact immigration authorities (such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE) or law enforcement to have their partner deported, or to have their status scrutinized, if they try to leave or report the abuse. This creates fear of deportation, which can discourage the victim from reaching out for help, leaving the relationship, or even seeking medical attention. This can be particularly threatening if the victim also has children.

Control Through Dependence on Legal Status: The abuser may manipulate the victim’s dependency on them for their immigration status, such as by holding over their head the promise of helping with documentation (e.g., marriage or sponsorship). The victim may fear that without the abuser’s support, they will lose their chance to stay in the country legally, which increases their isolation and dependency.

Isolation from Community and Support Networks: The abuser might prevent the victim from connecting with family, friends, or community members, claiming that doing so could jeopardize their immigration status. They may convince the victim that involving others could result in deportation or legal problems, leading to further emotional and social isolation.

Economic Control and Exploitation: In some cases, the abuser may control the victim’s access to money or employment, often under the guise of "helping" with immigration issues. The victim may be forced to stay in a harmful relationship because they rely on the abuser for financial or legal stability, especially if they lack work authorization or fear being found out by authorities. This can also lead to human trafficking.

At The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE), we provide 24/7 confidential services to victims of interpersonal violence, regardless of documentation status. We can offer virtual appointments, as we recognize the fear that many immigrants have right now of being out in public spaces. Our services are free of charge, and clients are not required to show ID or insurance. We provide crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, prevention and outreach services, and more. We have multilingual/multicultural advocates that can provide services in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.

CEE also provides support groups, and we are excited to share two new groups that we are offering beginning in April 2025: Mujeres Empoderas and Minha Melhor Versão. Registration is required ahead of time. If you or someone you know may be interested in joining a support group, please visit our website at https://thecenterct.org/connect-form/ or email us at thecenter@thecenterct.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence—especially if your immigration status is being used as a tool of control—we want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to support you. You have rights, and there are options and resources available to help you find safety and stability. Contact us to learn more—we will stand with you every step of the way.

24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline: 203-731-5206

24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline: 203-731-5204

https://thecenterct.org/