Domestic Violence Cases on Rise During Quarantine

Domestic Violence Cases on Rise During Quarantine

While the State of Illinois and many of our surrounding states are under a mandatory “stay at home” order due to COVID-19, the risk of experiencing abuse increases exponentially for victims of domestic violence. Without the buffer of going to work or school, victims are trapped at home, 24/7, with their abusers. Abuse can manifest in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: physical violence, sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse and financial control.

If you or a loved one have experienced domestic violence during the COVID-19 quarantine, we urge you to call 9-1-1 and protect your family. Domestic violence is never acceptable. Moreover, there may be options for you to gain immigration status in the United States through a U Visa if you cooperate with the police during the investigation or prosecution of a crime. The U Visa was created by Congress to encourage undocumented immigrants to report crimes to the police without fear of being deported for their immigration status. This visa can ultimately lead to a green card in the United States for you and your family.

The attorneys at Kriezelman, Burton and Associates, LLC, are here to help you if you have been the victim of a serious crime, such as domestic violence. Please call us at (312) 332-2550 to discuss how we can work with you to obtain a U Visa and determine the next steps to gaining lawful immigration status in the United States.