VAWA Psychological Evaluations: Evidence-Based Support for Immigration Relief (Form I-360)

By Dr. Lisa Long, Psy. D
Dr. Long & Associates | Updated and Fact Checked 12/12/2025

What is a VAWA Evaluation?

A VAWA psychological evaluation is a comprehensive forensic assessment that documents the psychological and emotional impact of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty for immigration relief applications under the Violence Against Women Act. These evaluations provide critical evidence to USCIS when submitting Form I-360 self-petitions, particularly when other documentation is limited or unavailable.

Quick Facts:

  • Purpose: Document abuse impact for USCIS Form I-360 applications

  • Who qualifies: Survivors of abuse by U.S. citizen/LPR spouses, parents, or adult children

  • Success impact: 81.6% grant rate with forensic evaluations vs. 42.4% without

  • Processing time: Average 28.3 months for spousal petitions, 19.7 months for parent petitions

  • Service delivery: Available nationwide via secure telehealth

Survivors of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse, parent, or child may qualify for immigration relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Research demonstrates that comprehensive psychological evaluations substantially improve case outcomes, with forensic evaluations associated with significantly higher grant rates compared to applications without such documentation.

At Dr. Long & Associates, we provide forensic-quality VAWA psychological evaluations that meet USCIS and immigration court evidentiary standards. Dr. Long is a forensic psychologist with extensive experience conducting immigration evaluations and providing expert testimony in federal immigration proceedings.

Need an immigration psychological evaluation but not sure which type applies to your case?
We offer comprehensive immigration evaluations tailored to your legal and psychological needs:
👉 Nationwide Immigration Psychological Evaluations

✍️ Complete our confidential case review form for detailed next steps, pricing, and timelines:
👉 Start Your Free Case Review

We support clients nationwide through secure telehealth with licensed psychologists, professional interpreter access when needed, and streamlined 14-day turnaround.

The Research Evidence: How Psychological Evaluations Affect VAWA Outcomes

Forensic psychological evaluations significantly improve success rates in VAWA and related immigration relief cases. Research examining immigration relief applications found an 81.6% grant rate for cases that included forensic medical or psychological evaluations, compared to a 42.4% national grant rate for cases without such documentation (Atkinson et al., 2021; Rosado et al., 2024). While this research examined various forms of immigration relief including asylum, the findings are directly applicable to VAWA cases, which similarly rely on evidence of abuse and its psychological impact.

Why Evaluations Matter:

  • Expert Corroboration: Psychological evaluations provide trauma-informed, professional documentation that supports the survivor's narrative, increasing credibility with adjudicators (Atkinson et al., 2021; Green et al., 2020; Rosado et al., 2024)

  • Meeting Evidentiary Standards: Forensic evaluations help satisfy USCIS requirements, particularly when traditional evidence (police reports, medical records) is unavailable or incomplete (Atkinson et al., 2021; Rosado et al., 2024)

  • Documenting Psychological Impact: Written affidavits from trained clinicians documenting the emotional and psychological effects of abuse are considered critical evidence by immigration adjudicators (Green et al., 2020; Rosado et al., 2024)

The Type of Evaluation Matters: While forensic physical examinations showed the strongest association with positive outcomes, psychological evaluations contributed significantly to case success (Atkinson et al., 2021; Rosado et al., 2024). The evaluation's quality, comprehensiveness, and adherence to forensic standards directly impacts its evidentiary value.

Understanding VAWA Eligibility Requirements

The Violence Against Women Act provides immigration relief regardless of gender, including protections for men and individuals in same-sex marriages. While often called "VAWA visa" in common usage, VAWA is technically not a visa but rather a self-petitioning process that leads to lawful permanent resident status (green card) for abuse survivors. Eligibility requires demonstrating specific relationship criteria and credible evidence of abuse through Form I-360.

Core Eligibility Requirements:

1. Qualifying Relationship to Abuser

  • Spousal Relationship: Current or former spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who experienced abuse during the marriage. This includes marriages that ended due to the abuser's death within two years of filing.

  • Parent-Child Relationship: Unmarried children under 21 who were abused by a U.S. citizen or LPR parent, or parents who were abused by their U.S. citizen adult child.

2. Cohabitation Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate they lived with the abuser. Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Joint lease agreements or mortgage documents

  • Utility bills showing shared residence

  • Affidavits from neighbors, landlords, or family members confirming cohabitation

  • School records, medical records, or government documents showing the same address

3. Relationship Documentation

Official documents establishing the relationship to the abuser:

  • Marriage certificates

  • Birth certificates

  • Adoption records or legal guardianship documents

  • Immigration documents showing family relationship

Important Note on Gender Neutrality: VAWA protections apply to all survivors regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Men who experience abuse by female U.S. citizen or LPR partners, and individuals in same-sex marriages, have the same eligibility and protections under VAWA as female survivors.

The Reality of Abuse Among Immigrant Populations

Research consistently demonstrates that immigrants face elevated risk of abuse due to their marginalized status, with power imbalances enabling U.S. citizen partners to use immigration status as a tool of control.

Documented Risk Patterns:

Immigrant Women Experience Higher or Comparable IPV Rates

Immigrant women face intimate partner violence (IPV) at rates equal to or exceeding U.S.-born women, with some populations reporting lifetime IPV rates as high as 93% compared to 36.4% among U.S.-born women (Morrison et al., 2023; Sabri et al., 2022; Li et al., 2020). Risk factors include:

  • Patriarchal cultural norms that normalize male dominance and female subordination

  • Economic dependence on abusive partners

  • Language barriers limiting access to help and information

  • Social isolation from support networks

  • Fear of deportation preventing help-seeking (Morrison et al., 2023; Hulley et al., 2022; Sabri et al., 2022; Vroegindewey & Sabri, 2022; Njie-Carr et al., 2020)

Immigrant Men Also Experience Abuse

While occurring at lower rates than among women, immigrant men experience violence in both domestic and workplace contexts. Men are more likely to face violence in public or employment settings, while women more commonly experience IPV within the home (Kg et al., 2022; Ayubi & Satyen, 2023).

Immigration Status as a Tool of Abuse

Marginalized status—including undocumented immigration, lack of social support, and economic instability—enables U.S. citizen partners or employers to exploit power imbalances. Common abuse tactics include:

  • Threatening deportation or separation from children

  • Withholding immigration paperwork or sabotaging applications

  • Using the victim's immigration status to control movement and access to resources

  • Isolating the victim from support systems through fear of immigration authorities (Treves-Kagan et al., 2024; Hulley et al., 2022; Sabri et al., 2022; Vroegindewey & Sabri, 2022; Kg et al., 2022)

Barriers to Help-Seeking

Fear of deportation, limited knowledge of legal rights, language barriers, and institutional racism create significant obstacles preventing immigrants from accessing support services, compounding their risk and isolation (Hulley et al., 2022; Sabri et al., 2022; Vroegindewey & Sabri, 2022; Njie-Carr et al., 2020; Kg et al., 2022).

What Evidence USCIS Requires in VAWA Applications

VAWA applications succeed based on comprehensive documentation demonstrating both the qualifying relationship and the abuse. Strong applications combine multiple forms of evidence to create a compelling case.

Primary Evidence Categories:

1. Documentation of Abuse

  • Police reports documenting incidents of violence or threats

  • Restraining orders or protective orders against the abuser

  • Medical records showing injuries consistent with abuse

  • Photographs documenting injuries or property damage

  • Court records from criminal cases involving the abuser

2. Psychological Impact Documentation

  • Forensic psychological evaluations documenting trauma and emotional harm

  • Treatment records from therapists or counselors

  • Psychiatric hospitalization records related to abuse-related conditions

  • Medication records for conditions stemming from abuse

3. Witness Statements and Affidavits

  • Affidavits from individuals who witnessed abuse or its effects

  • Statements from shelter staff, counselors, or victim advocates

  • Letters from friends, family, or community members aware of the abuse

  • Employer statements documenting work impacts from the abuse

4. Communications Documenting Abuse

  • Text messages, emails, or voicemails containing threats or evidence of abuse

  • Social media posts or messages demonstrating abusive behavior

  • Written communications showing patterns of control or intimidation

Critical Safety Consideration: Applicants should never jeopardize their safety while gathering evidence. When obtaining certain documents is dangerous or impossible, alternative forms of evidence—particularly psychological evaluations—can provide essential documentation without requiring direct contact with the abuser or risky document retrieval.

The Role of Psychological Evaluations When Other Evidence Is Limited:

Psychological evaluations serve particularly critical functions when:

  • Police were never called due to fear of deportation

  • Medical treatment was never sought or records are inaccessible

  • The abuse left primarily psychological rather than physical evidence

  • Cultural factors prevented the survivor from documenting abuse as it occurred

  • The abuser controlled access to documentation

In these circumstances, a comprehensive forensic psychological evaluation can provide the professional documentation necessary to meet USCIS evidentiary requirements.

USCIS VAWA Processing: What to Expect

Understanding the adjudication timeline helps applicants prepare for the process ahead. While direct research on specific USCIS VAWA review procedures is limited, processing data and legal analyses provide insight into typical timelines and considerations.

Current Processing Times (Based on USCIS Data):

  • Abused Spouse Self-Petitions: Average 28.3 months from receipt to decision

  • Abused Child Self-Petitions: Average 28.4 months from receipt to decision

  • Abused Parent Self-Petitions: Average 19.7 months from receipt to decision

These timelines represent the period between USCIS receiving the petition and issuing an approval or denial. However, processing times vary based on case volume, complexity, and whether USCIS requests additional evidence.

The Adjudication Process:

1. Initial Receipt and Review (2-3 weeks)

After submitting Form I-360 with supporting evidence, USCIS issues a receipt notice confirming the application is under review. This notice includes a case number for tracking purposes.

2. Prima Facie Determination (Several months)

USCIS may issue a prima facie determination indicating that, at first review, your Form I-360 application appears to meet basic eligibility requirements. This determination is critically important even though it is not a final approval:

What Prima Facie Determination Provides:

  • Immediate protection from removal proceedings: USCIS defers action on deportation while your case is pending

  • Eligibility for certain public benefits: Access to programs that require lawful immigration status

  • Protection from abuser notification: USCIS does not contact your abuser about your application

  • Temporary relief and stability: Peace of mind that your case has passed initial credibility review

Prima Facie Requirements: To receive a prima facie determination, your application must demonstrate on its face that you likely meet VAWA eligibility criteria—particularly evidence of the qualifying relationship and credible evidence of abuse or extreme cruelty. A comprehensive psychological evaluation documenting trauma and abuse impact significantly strengthens your case for prima facie determination when other evidence is limited.

3. Full Review and Investigation

USCIS adjudicators conduct comprehensive reviews that include:

  • Background checks: Standard fingerprinting and biometric data collection for all petitioners

  • Evidence verification: Cross-checking submitted documents including police reports, medical records, and other official documentation

  • Third-party verification: USCIS may contact employers, medical providers, or other third parties to confirm information accuracy

  • Requests for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS needs additional information or clarification, they issue an RFE. Prompt, accurate responses are critical—failure to respond adequately can result in denial.

4. Interviews (When Necessary)

While not required in every case, USCIS may request interviews to clarify details or address inconsistencies. These interviews are conducted with sensitivity to the abuse the petitioner has experienced.

5. Final Decision

After completing all investigations and reviewing submitted evidence, USCIS issues a final decision. Approved petitions allow the applicant to proceed with adjusting status to lawful permanent resident.

Work Authorization During Processing:

Applicants with cases pending for extended periods may be eligible to apply for work authorization, allowing them to legally work in the United States while awaiting a final decision on their VAWA petition.

Impact of Case Backlogs:

Significant backlogs in the immigration system have led to long wait times for VAWA adjudication. Policy shifts in prioritization procedures have further complicated timelines, creating uncertainty for applicants (Crooke, 2023). Strong initial applications with comprehensive evidence—including psychological evaluations—may reduce the likelihood of RFEs and processing delays.

Why Forensic Expertise Matters: Choosing the Right Evaluator

The distinction between clinical and forensic psychological evaluations is substantial, particularly in immigration contexts. While clinical evaluations focus on treatment planning, forensic evaluations are designed specifically to meet legal evidentiary standards.

Critical Differences Between Clinical and Forensic Evaluations:

Clinical Evaluations:

  • Focus on diagnosis and treatment planning

  • Assume the client's self-report is accurate

  • Designed for therapeutic relationships

  • May not withstand legal scrutiny or cross-examination

  • Often lack the comprehensive documentation USCIS requires

Forensic Evaluations:

  • Designed to meet legal evidentiary standards

  • Include objective assessment and verification methods

  • Anticipate legal scrutiny and potential challenges

  • Provide comprehensive documentation with supporting data

  • Conducted by evaluators trained in forensic methodology

Benefits of Forensic Psychological Expertise:

1. Objective, Legally Defensible Evidence

Forensic psychologists understand abuse dynamics including power, control, and coercive patterns that may not be obvious to clinicians without forensic training. Their evaluations provide:

  • Comprehensive assessment of psychological impact using validated instruments

  • Documentation that meets legal standards for admissibility

  • Expert analysis connecting the abuse to observed psychological symptoms

  • Credible testimony that can withstand scrutiny if the case proceeds to court

2. Understanding of Immigration Law and Policy

Evaluators experienced in immigration cases stay current with:

  • Evolving USCIS policies and adjudication standards

  • Relevant case law affecting VAWA applications

  • Evidentiary requirements specific to immigration relief

  • Cultural considerations in trauma assessment

3. Enhanced Legal Strategy Support

Comprehensive forensic evaluations provide attorneys (or self-represented applicants) with:

  • Detailed psychological analysis supporting the legal arguments

  • Professional documentation when primary evidence is limited

  • Expert opinions that strengthen the overall case narrative

  • Potential expert testimony if the case proceeds to immigration court

4. Compensation for Missing Primary Evidence

When direct evidence of abuse is unavailable—common in cases where fear prevented police contact or the abuse was primarily psychological—forensic evaluations serve as critical secondary evidence. Specialized testing and diagnostic interviews can uncover and substantiate claims where documentation would otherwise be insufficient.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis:

Forensic evaluations typically cost more than clinical evaluations or assessments by therapists or social workers. However, given the stakes involved—legal immigration status, safety from deportation, ability to work and support oneself—this investment provides substantial value. Research demonstrates that cases with forensic evaluations have significantly higher success rates, making the evaluation a critical component of strong VAWA applications.

Psychological evaluations for VAWA | Telehealth Nationwide | Updated December 2025

Dr. Long & Associates: Forensic-Quality VAWA Evaluations

Dr. Lisa Long, Psy.D. brings extensive forensic training and immigration evaluation experience to every VAWA assessment. Her background includes:

  • Board-eligible forensic psychologist with specialized training in trauma assessment

  • Former Lead Forensic Psychologist at a maximum-security forensic psychiatric hospital

  • Former Director of Psychological Services, 422nd Medical Squadron, RAF Croughton, United Kingdom

  • Recognized expert witness in federal immigration court proceedings

  • Co-presenter of original research at the 2025 American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Scientific Meeting examining intimate partner violence dynamics in VAWA evaluations

  • Conversational Spanish with deep understanding of cultural factors in trauma assessment, with professional interpreters used to ensure forensic accuracy and credibility

  • Proficiency in Arabic and Russian, with certified interpreter access for all evaluation languages

Multidisciplinary Team Approach

All immigration evaluations at Dr. Long & Associates benefit from a multidisciplinary framework. Dr. Leesandra Contreras-Gonzalez, Psy.D. serves as Post-doctoral Fellow, bringing specialized expertise in bicultural mental health, trauma-informed care, and immigration psychology. Her contributions strengthen every VAWA evaluation through:

  • APA-accredited forensic psychology internship at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia's Child Guidance Clinic, conducting advanced assessments under board-certified forensic psychologist supervision

  • Five years as volunteer Child Advocate for the Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights, advocating for unaccompanied immigrant children in federal custody

  • Doctoral dissertation utilizing Critical Race Theory and Intersectional Feminism to explore Latinas' lived experiences with law enforcement, providing deep insight into cultural barriers affecting help-seeking among immigrant abuse survivors

  • Native Spanish speaker with dual degrees in Psychology and Spanish, enabling culturally and linguistically congruent evaluations for Latino/Latina populations

  • Clinical training in trauma-focused therapy for survivors of intentional violence, with specific expertise in intimate partner violence assessment

This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that every VAWA evaluation incorporates both forensic rigor and cultural competency—critical factors when documenting abuse among immigrant populations where cultural context, language barriers, and immigration-related power dynamics significantly affect how abuse manifests and is reported.

Our VAWA Evaluation Process:

  1. Comprehensive Clinical Interview: Detailed assessment of abuse history, psychological impact, and current functioning

  2. Standardized Psychological Testing: Validated instruments assessing trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other relevant conditions

  3. Review of Available Documentation: Analysis of medical records, police reports, and other supporting evidence

  4. Cultural Considerations: Assessment conducted with cultural sensitivity and, when needed, professional interpreter support

  5. Detailed Written Report: Forensic-quality documentation meeting USCIS evidentiary standards

  6. Attorney Consultation: Collaboration with legal counsel when applicable to ensure evaluation addresses case-specific legal requirements

Nationwide Service Through Secure Telehealth:

We serve clients in all 50 states through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms. Our evaluations meet the same rigorous standards whether conducted in person or via telehealth, with 14-day turnaround from evaluation completion to final report delivery.

Servicio en Español (Spanish-Language Services):

Dr. Long is conversational in Spanish and understands the cultural context critical for evaluating Spanish-speaking survivors. To ensure evaluation accuracy and professional credibility, we provide certified interpreters for all Spanish-language evaluations. This approach maintains the highest forensic standards while ensuring culturally competent assessment. Reports are provided in English for USCIS submission, with Spanish summaries available for client understanding. We also provide professional interpreter services in Arabic, Russian, and other languages as needed.

Key Takeaways: VAWA Psychological Evaluations

Why Evaluations Matter:

  • Cases with forensic evaluations show 81.6% grant rates vs. 42.4% without

  • Psychological evaluations provide critical evidence when traditional documentation is unavailable

  • Expert testimony from forensic psychologists strengthens credibility with USCIS adjudicators

Who Should Get an Evaluation:

  • VAWA applicants lacking police reports or medical records of abuse

  • Survivors whose abuse was primarily psychological or emotional

  • Applicants concerned about case strength or potential denial

  • Anyone facing Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS

What to Expect:

  • Comprehensive clinical interview assessing abuse history and psychological impact

  • Standardized psychological testing using validated trauma assessment instruments

  • Detailed forensic report meeting USCIS evidentiary standards

  • 14-day turnaround from evaluation to final report delivery

  • Nationwide telehealth availability with Spanish-language services

Next Step: Complete our confidential case review to receive personalized guidance on whether a psychological evaluation would strengthen your VAWA application.

Start Your VAWA Psychological Evaluation

If you are a survivor of domestic violence, abuse, or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, a comprehensive psychological evaluation can strengthen your VAWA application with evidence-based documentation of the abuse's psychological impact.

Not sure which immigration evaluation type applies to your situation?
We offer comprehensive immigration evaluations for multiple pathways:
👉 Nationwide Immigration Psychological Evaluations

✍️ Complete our confidential case review form for personalized guidance:
👉 Start Your Free Case Review

Frequently Asked Questions About VAWA

¿Qué es la visa VAWA? (What is the VAWA visa?)

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) is not technically a visa but an immigration protection that allows certain abuse survivors to self-petition for lawful permanent residence without the abuser's knowledge or cooperation. It provides a pathway to legal status for immigrants who have suffered battery or extreme cruelty at the hands of a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or adult child.

What is Prima Facie Determination in VAWA Cases?

Prima facie determination is USCIS's initial assessment that your Form I-360 VAWA petition appears to establish eligibility for relief. While not a final approval, a prima facie determination provides immediate benefits including protection from removal proceedings, eligibility for certain public benefits, and deferred action. USCIS typically issues prima facie determinations within several months of receiving your application if your evidence demonstrates a credible case at first review.

How Long Does VAWA Residency Processing Take? (¿Cuánto tiempo tarda la residencia por VAWA?)

Based on current USCIS processing data:

  • Abused spouse self-petitions: Average 28.3 months from receipt to decision

  • Abused child self-petitions: Average 28.4 months

  • Abused parent self-petitions: Average 19.7 months

These timelines represent the period between USCIS receiving Form I-360 and issuing approval or denial. Processing times vary based on case complexity, service center workload, and whether USCIS issues Requests for Evidence (RFE). Applicants with pending cases may be eligible for work authorization during the processing period.

What are the Requirements for VAWA? (Visa VAWA Requisitos / Prima Facie Determination Requirements)

To qualify for VAWA immigration relief, you must demonstrate:

  1. Qualifying relationship: Current or former spouse, child under 21, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident abuser

  2. Cohabitation: Evidence you lived with the abuser (joint leases, utility bills, affidavits)

  3. Abuse or extreme cruelty: Documentation of battery or extreme cruelty through police reports, medical records, photographs, psychological evaluations, witness statements, or protective orders

  4. Good moral character: General demonstration of lawful behavior and character (with exceptions for actions related to the abuse)

  5. Relationship documentation: Marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other legal documents establishing your connection to the abuser

Most Critical Requirement for Prima Facie Determination: Credible evidence of abuse. When traditional documentation (police reports, medical records) is unavailable due to fear of deportation or the abuser's control, a comprehensive forensic psychological evaluation becomes essential evidence.

Can I Travel Outside the U.S. with VAWA Status? (¿Con la visa VAWA puedo salir del país?)

Before VAWA approval: If you have only filed Form I-360 and are waiting for a decision, you should not travel outside the United States without first obtaining advance parole. Leaving the country without advance parole may be considered abandonment of your application.

After VAWA approval: Once your I-360 is approved, you must file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) to become a lawful permanent resident. During I-485 processing, you can apply for advance parole (Form I-131) which allows temporary travel abroad. After becoming a lawful permanent resident, you can travel freely with your green card, though extended absences may affect future citizenship applications.

Important: Always consult with an immigration attorney before making travel plans during VAWA proceedings. Travel without proper authorization can jeopardize your case.

Do I Need a Lawyer for VAWA? (VAWA Immigration Attorney/Lawyer)

While you can self-petition for VAWA relief without an attorney, legal representation is strongly recommended due to the complexity of immigration law and the stakes involved. An experienced VAWA immigration attorney can:

  • Ensure all forms are completed correctly and all required evidence is submitted

  • Help gather and organize supporting documentation

  • Respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFE)

  • Advise on travel restrictions and work authorization

  • Navigate procedural issues and case-specific complications

  • Coordinate with forensic evaluators to ensure psychological evaluations address legal requirements

Our role: As forensic psychologists, we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations that support your VAWA application. We work collaboratively with your attorney (if you have one) but do not provide legal counsel. Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost representation for VAWA applicants.

Will There Be an Interview for VAWA Residency? (¿Entrevista para residencia por medio de VAWA?)

For the I-360 self-petition: USCIS may request an interview to clarify details or address inconsistencies, though interviews are not required in every case. When interviews occur, they are conducted with sensitivity to the trauma you have experienced.

For adjustment of status (I-485): After I-360 approval, you will typically be required to attend an interview when applying to adjust status to lawful permanent resident. This interview assesses your eligibility for the green card and verifies information in your application.

Interview preparation tip: A comprehensive psychological evaluation completed before your interview can help you articulate the abuse's impact and demonstrate credibility, even if discussing traumatic events becomes emotionally difficult during the interview.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides educational information about VAWA psychological evaluations and should not be construed as legal advice. While Dr. Long & Associates specializes in forensic psychological evaluations for immigration cases, we are not attorneys and do not provide legal counsel. For complex immigration matters, consultation with a qualified immigration attorney is strongly recommended. Our role is to provide comprehensive psychological evaluation services that support your legal case.

References

Atkinson, H., Wyka, K., Hampton, K., Seno, C., Yim, E., Ottenheimer, D., & Arastu, N. (2021). Impact of forensic medical evaluations on immigration relief grant rates and correlates of outcomes in the United States. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 84, 102272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102272 | 94 citations

Ayubi, M., & Satyen, L. (2023). Factors associated with intimate partner violence perpetration among migrant men: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 25, 1365-1381. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231178758 | 15 citations

Crooke, C. (2023). US asylum lawyering and temporal violence. Law & Social Inquiry, 49, 1510-1537. https://doi.org/10.1017/lsi.2023.45 | 12 citations

Green, A., Ruchman, S., Katz, C., & Singer, E. (2020). Piloting forensic tele-mental health evaluations of asylum seekers. Psychiatry Research, 291, 113256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113256 | 26 citations

Hulley, J., Bailey, L., Kirkman, G., Gibbs, G., Gomersall, T., Latif, A., & Jones, A. (2022). Intimate partner violence and barriers to help-seeking among Black, Asian, minority ethnic and immigrant women: A qualitative metasynthesis of global research. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 24, 1001-1015. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380211050590 | 114 citations

Kg, B., S., A., K, P., Ak, S., J, S., A, F., & Al, W. (2022). Contexts of violence victimization and service-seeking among Latino/a/x immigrant adults in Maryland and the District of Columbia: A qualitative study. Journal of Migration and Health, 6, 100142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100142 | 16 citations

Li, Y., Bloom, T., Herbell, K., & Bullock, L. (2020). Prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among Chinese immigrant women. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(12), 3469-3481. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14458 | 36 citations

Morrison, A., Campbell, J., Sharpless, L., & Martin, S. (2023). Intimate partner violence and immigration in the United States: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 25, 846-861. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231165690 | 28 citations

Njie-Carr, V., Sabri, B., Messing, J., Suarez, C., Ward-Lasher, A., Wachter, K., Marea, C., & Campbell, J. (2020). Understanding intimate partner violence among immigrant and refugee women: A grounded theory analysis. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 30, 792-810. https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2020.1796870 | 65 citations

Rosado, N., McKenzie, J., Charleston, E., & Ford-Paz, R. (2024). The Forensic Assessment for Immigration Relief (FAIR) clinic: A faculty-led, pediatric clinic model. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 103, 102685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102685 | 3 citations

Sabri, B., Saha, J., Lee, J., & Murray, S. (2022). Conducting digital intervention research among immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence: Methodological, safety and ethical considerations. Journal of Family Violence, 38, 447-462. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-022-00405-6 | 34 citations

Treves-Kagan, S., Le, V., Berra, L., Ray, C., Ruvalcaba, Y., Wood, L., D'Angelo, D., Vera, T., & Estefan, L. (2024). Trends in contacts made by immigrants to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Health Reports, 140, 90S-99S. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549241279101 | 8 citations

Vroegindewey, A., & Sabri, B. (2022). Using mindfulness to improve mental health outcomes of immigrant women with experiences of intimate partner violence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 12714. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912714 | 18 citations

Walker, L., Shapiro, D., & Akl, S. (2020). Immigration and refugee issues. Handbook of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan, 173-181. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-44470-9_13 | 15 citations

Last Updated: December 2025

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