Not everybody knows, but VAWA protects men, too. Unfortunately, home abuse and domestic violence are not rare, and men become victims almost as often as women, especially immigrant men. That’s a sad statistic.
However, many men are afraid to go to the police because they feel the police won’t be on their side. This fear often prevents them from seeking the help they desperately need.
The process for men applying for a VAWA self-petition is the same as for women. My team handles many cases like this. We help immigrant men and women escape abusive relationships and gain legal status in the USA.
Shepelsky Law can help you secure a Work Permit and Green Card, even if your spouse is a Green Card holder. We can also help if they died or you divorced less than 2 years ago.
I, Marina Shepelsky, am an immigration and family lawyer in NY and NJ with 18+ years of experience. I represent immigration clients across America, in all 50 states. My team will explain in simple terms how politics and current events affect immigrants and our communities.
Male survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) often get left out. Our society often assumes that if men are physically stronger (which they are, biologically), they are the abusers themselves. In scenarios where the balance of power shifts to the person with the U.S. status, the weaker position could be the man’s.
The misconception comes from the deeply ingrained historical gender roles and stereotypes. We fail to account for the reality of men and boys as victims of sexual or domestic violence, and gender-based persecution. However, they may face unique barriers when seeking support or recognition.
Why Do So Many People Overlook VAWA for Men?
There is a huge stigma surrounding masculinity. Men often are too ashamed to complain or report female violence against them. They are afraid of looking foolish. They worry no one will believe them. I had a client who went to the ER after his wife punched him in the eye and hit him with a frying pan, dislocating his retina. There were hospital notes, which obtained for his VAWA case, none of which mentioned that this was domestic violence. He reported this happened at home and his wife was the aggressor, no social worker came to speak to him. He was never offered resources as the hospitals normally do for women survivors.
Barriers to Resources for Male Survivors of SGBV
Additionally, there’s often a lack of resources or services specifically tailored to male survivors of SGBV, further marginalizing their needs.
In the context of immigration law, male survivors may also face challenges when seeking asylum or protection. But VAWA is for men too! There are more restrictions coming from this administration in immigration and the narrowing of the social groups for women and children. The design for many legal frameworks and protections have women and children in mind, which can make it harder for men to prove they’ve faced violence. For example, LGBTQ men fleeing homophobic violence in their home country (for being gay, or trans, or implication that he may be gay) often struggle to meet the criteria for asylum. This is particular prevalent if the system doesn’t adequately recognize or address his sexual orientation or the gendered nature of his persecution.
The Need for Inclusive Frameworks: How VAWA for Men Can Help
Men often cannot find a safe place to leave their abusive home for. There are many fewer men’s homeless shelters than those for women and families. Based on 2024 AIBM data, men account for roughly 60% of the total homeless population (approx. 460,000), while women account for 40% (approx. 303,000), resulting in a roughly 2:3 ratio of women to men. However, women are more likely to be sheltered (72%) than men (60%). 84% of families in shelters are headed by women. Green Doors Family Homelessness Data.
It is critical that the immigration legal and advocacy communities begin to create more inclusive frameworks that consider male survivors. We can then ensure that all survivors, regardless of gender, have access to the protection and support they need.
How Shepelsky Law Group Can Assist Male Survivors of SGBV
Male survivors of abuse often face unique challenges in seeking legal protection. In this video, we discuss how VAWA for men provides critical support. It’s important for male survivors to understand that they are eligible for relief under VAWA. Do not hesitate to take action. If you’re a man experiencing abuse, we can help you understand your rights and the path to protection and permanent residency.
If you are a man suffering in silence from abuse, call Shepelsky Law Group today at (718) 769-6352 or book your consultation directly at Shepelsky Law Group Booking. We are here to help guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected under VAWA.