The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows an abused spouse or child of a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident or an abused parent of a U.S. Citizen to self-petition for lawful status in the United States, receive employment authorization and access public benefits benefits. VAWA provides domestic violence survivors with the means that are essential to escaping violence and establishing safe, independent lives.
Under the law, students and employees who are victims or survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence receive the same rights under Title IX and the VAWA, regardless of immigration and visa status. Cornell will not retaliate against you or treat you differently on the basis of reporting a crime, and will protect you from retaliation if you do report. International students and scholars with questions about their immigration and visa status are advised to utilize the following resources: