At the YWCA Monterey County, staff get approximately 10 to 15 calls for help each day.
However, with increased immigration enforcement, the nonprofit noticed a decline in call volume towards the end of last year.
CEO Jessica Macias said immigrant domestic violence survivors, who are at higher risk than citizens, are now more scared than ever to make those calls.
“We have noticed a bit of a downfall in phone calls, and also when we do call them back, they verify that it's us calling, not someone else, trying to trick them into coming to a location,” Macias said.
YWCA staff do not ask for a person’s immigration status, and do not record immigration data. But they’re among many providers nationally saying fear is reducing reports from immigrant domestic abuse survivors.
Immigration enforcement concerns from domestic abuse survivors aren't new, but with the surge in activity under the Trump Administration, more noncitizens are scared to report abuse.
A survey by the Alliance for Immigrant Survivors, a national nonprofit, found among the fears of those facing domestic violence is that local law enforcement will report them to immigration officials when they come forward about the abuse.
YWCA therapist intern Alejandra Santana said this comes up in some sessions, wherein people say they are scared to report abusive partners to the police for fear they'll end up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
“ The abusers will use that against them as well, " Santana said. "So they're like, “Oh, if you leave me, I'm gonna report you (to ICE), and you're gonna get deported.”
However, advocates say there are some legal protections available. Under the Violence Against Women Act, noncitizens can petition to get a green card without the cooperation of an abusive partner. Another option is the U Visa, which helps protect victims of certain crimes.
Although these pathways are often plagued by long wait times, Salinas-based immigration attorney Blanca Zarazua encouraged people to document the abuse so they can build a strong case.
“I certainly would at least keep a journal of what's going on,” Zarazua said. "Start tracking everything that's been going on. Then you take your facts to a professional, and that person will let you know what your options are.”
Despite increasing fear and concerns, the YWCA’s Santana wants to reassure people in abusive situations that help is still available.
“We’re not going to go and call ICE on you,” Santana said. “We’ll close our doors to them.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 8788.
