Recently Hurtubise Weber Law paralegal Teri Picart was

asked to return to the Valley Crisis Center of Merced County (VCC) to provide training to new counselors at the Center. One year ago Teri gave a presentation to new staff regarding the U visa for victims of crime and 

relief available for undocumented victims of domestic violence under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

:

http://ow.ly/RmnuF

Due to popular demand, she was asked back this year to present to a new group of staff members!

The VCC "

seeks to prevent domestic and sexual violence by advocating for positive changes in the societal systems that my lead to oppression, fostering a better understanding of domestic and sexual violence through community education, and providing culturally relevant direct services that empower victims of abuse and their children." You can read more about the Center's mission here:

http://www.valleycrisiscenter.org/

The U visa allows victims of qualifying criminal activity, including domestic violence, felonious assault, sexual assault, and stalking, who have suffered substantial physical and mental abuse and cooperated with authorities in the investigation of the crime, to apply for work authorization and permission to remain in the United States in the short term. The U visa is a path to permanent residency (a "green card") and citizenship.

For more information about the U visa and how it could help you or someone that you care about, please contact us at TheTeam@Huwelaw.com.