Niwap

Niwap: Empowering Immigrant Victims of Domestic and Other Violence

Niwap is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing legal assistance, training, and technical support to lawyers and advocates who work with immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of violence. The organization was founded in 2005 by Leslye Orloff, an attorney who has been advocating for the rights of immigrant women for over 30 years.

Niwap's mission is to empower immigrant victims by ensuring that they have access to the legal protections and services they need to escape abuse and rebuild their lives. The organization achieves this goal through a variety of programs and initiatives that are designed to educate lawyers, advocates, law enforcement officials, judges, and other stakeholders about the unique challenges faced by immigrant survivors.

One of Niwap's core programs is its training program for attorneys. This program provides comprehensive training on immigration law as it relates to domestic violence cases. It covers topics such as U visas (which provide temporary legal status for victims who cooperate with law enforcement), VAWA self-petitions (which allow abused spouses or children of U.S. citizens or permanent residents to apply for green cards without relying on their abusers), T visas (which provide temporary legal status for victims of human trafficking), asylum claims based on gender-based persecution or domestic violence, and more.

In addition to its attorney training program, Niwap also offers technical assistance to lawyers who are working on cases involving immigrant survivors. This includes one-on-one consultations with experienced attorneys who can help them navigate complex immigration laws and procedures.

Another important aspect of Niwap's work is its outreach efforts aimed at educating communities about the rights available to immigrant survivors. The organization produces a wide range of publications (including manuals, guides, fact sheets) that are available online free-of-charge in multiple languages including Spanish). These resources cover topics such as how immigrants can protect themselves from abuse, how to access legal services, and what to do if they are detained by immigration authorities.

Niwap also collaborates with other organizations and agencies to promote policies that protect the rights of immigrant survivors. For example, the organization has worked with the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to develop training materials for law enforcement officials on how to respond effectively to domestic violence cases involving immigrants.

Overall, Niwap is a vital resource for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Its programs and initiatives have helped countless individuals escape abusive situations, obtain legal status in the U.S., and rebuild their lives. By continuing its work, Niwap is helping to ensure that all victims of violence have access to justice regardless of their immigration status.