Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain non citizens who are in abusive situations, to petition without the assistance of the abusive spouse or parent, for lawful permanent residency.

These persons may include:

• The spouse of a US citizen or legal permanent resident when the abuser is the US citizen, legal resident spouse or a member of his/her family living in the home.
• The child of a US citizen or legal permanent resident when the abuser is the parent/parent's spouse or a family member of the parent or parent's spouse living in the home.
• The child of the battered spouse.
• The parent of the battered child.

If you are one of these persons, we can help you!

If you file a petition to adjust your immigration status, you may be able to obtain cash benefits and domestic violence services as a CalWORKs participant while your petition is being reviewed by the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS).

If you are already receiving benefits for your family, ask your case worker for assistance. If not, contact your nearest CalWORKs office to apply for benefits.

For assistance with a petition to adjust your immigration status, or to obtain legal advise, here is a list of Legal Services agencies:

1. 1736 Family Crisis Center (310) 370-5902 or (323) 737-3900
2. Antelope Valley Domestic Violence Council (800) 282-4808
3. Asian Pacific American Legal Center (213) 977-7500
4. Community Legal Services (310) 638-5524 or (562) 864-9935
5. Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law (213) 388-7505
6. Jenesse Center (323) 299-9496
7. Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) (323) 801-7991
8. Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice (323) 980-3500
9. Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (818) 896-5211 or (800) 433-6251
10. Institute for Multicultural Educational Services (IMCES) (213) 381-1250
11. Prototypes (323) 464-6281
12. Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network (562) 402-4888
13. YWCA of Glendale (818) 242-2144