## Letter of Support for a VAWA Self-Petitioner

This letter is to express my strong support for [Petitioner's Full Name], who is seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition process. I have known [Petitioner's Full Name] for [Number] years and have witnessed firsthand their strength, resilience, and determination.

[Petitioner's Full Name] is a kind, compassionate, and hardworking individual who has always been a positive influence in my life. They are a [Describe Petitioner's Profession/Occupation] and have a strong work ethic. They are also a dedicated [Describe Petitioner's Role in the Community, e.g., volunteer, member of a club, etc.].

I am writing this letter to attest to the fact that [Petitioner's Full Name] has been the victim of [Describe the Abuse, e.g., domestic violence, spousal abuse, etc.] at the hands of [Abuser's Full Name]. I have witnessed [Describe Specific Instances of Abuse, e.g., physical abuse, emotional abuse, threats, etc.]. I am aware that [Petitioner's Full Name] has been seeking help and support to escape this abusive situation.

[Petitioner's Full Name] is a deserving candidate for lawful permanent residence in the United States. They are a valuable member of our community and would make a positive contribution to American society. I urge you to grant their petition and allow them to live a safe and secure life free from abuse.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

### Table of Contents

1. Letter of Support for a VAWA Self-Petitioner
2. Case Laws

### Case Laws

There are no specific case laws in Kenya that directly address the issue of VAWA self-petitions. However, the Kenyan legal system recognizes the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence and abuse. 

For example, the **Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015** provides a framework for addressing domestic violence and offers protection orders to victims. This Act demonstrates Kenya's commitment to safeguarding individuals from harm within their homes.

Additionally, the **Sexual Offences Act, 2006** criminalizes various forms of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. This Act underscores Kenya's commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for victims.

While these laws do not directly address VAWA self-petitions, they reflect Kenya's broader commitment to protecting victims of violence and abuse.

### Sources

- [Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015](http://www.kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/rest/db/kenyalex/Kenya/Legislation/English/Acts%20and%20Regulations/P/Protection%20Against%20Domestic%20Violence%20Act%20-%20No.%2014%20of%202015/docs/ProtectionAgainstDomesticViolenceAct14of2015.pdf)
- [Sexual Offences Act, 2006](http://www.kenyalaw.org:8181/exist/rest/db/kenyalex/Kenya/Legislation/English/Acts%20and%20Regulations/S/Sexual%20Offences%20Act%20-%20No.%203%20of%202006/docs/SexualOffencesAct3of2006.pdf)

### TLDR

This letter of support for a VAWA self-petitioner highlights the petitioner's positive attributes, the abuse they have suffered, and their deservingness of lawful permanent residence in the United States.

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## Sample Letter of Support for a VAWA Self-Petitioner

This letter is to express my strong support for [Petitioner's Full Name], who is seeking lawful permanent residence in the United States through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition process. I have known [Petitioner's Full Name] for [Number] years and have witnessed firsthand their strength, resilience, and determination.

[Petitioner's Full Name] is a kind, compassionate, and hardworking individual who has always been a positive influence in my life. They are a [Describe Petitioner's Profession/Occupation] and have a strong work ethic. They are also a dedicated [Describe Petitioner's Role in the Community, e.g., volunteer, member of a club, etc.].

I am writing this letter to attest to the fact that [Petitioner's Full Name] has been the victim of [Describe the Abuse, e.g., domestic violence, spousal abuse, etc.] at the hands of [Abuser's Full Name]. I have witnessed [Describe Specific Instances of Abuse, e.g., physical abuse, emotional abuse, threats, etc.]. I am aware that [Petitioner's Full Name] has been seeking help and support to escape this abusive situation.

[Petitioner's Full Name] is a deserving candidate for lawful permanent residence in the United States. They are a valuable member of our community and would make a positive contribution to American society. I urge you to grant their petition and allow them to live a safe and secure life free from abuse.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

---


### Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Purpose of the Letter
3. Structure of the Letter
4. Sample Letter of Support for a VAWA Self-Petitioner
5. Conclusion
6. TLDR

---

### 1. Introduction

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides a pathway for certain individuals who have been victims of domestic violence to self-petition for legal status in the United States without the knowledge or consent of their abuser. A crucial component of this process is the submission of a letter of support, which serves to corroborate the petitioner's claims and provide additional context and evidence of the abuse they have endured.

### 2. Purpose of the Letter

The letter of support is intended to:
- Validate the petitioner's claims of abuse.
- Provide a detailed account of the relationship between the petitioner and the abuser.
- Offer evidence of the petitioner's good moral character.
- Demonstrate the petitioner's eligibility for VAWA relief.

### 3. Structure of the Letter

A well-structured letter of support should include the following sections:
- **Introduction**: Introduce the writer and their relationship to the petitioner.
- **Background Information**: Provide context about the petitioner's situation and relationship with the abuser.
- **Details of the Abuse**: Describe specific instances of abuse and their impact on the petitioner.
- **Character Reference**: Highlight the petitioner's good moral character and any positive contributions they have made.
- **Conclusion**: Summarize the key points and reiterate support for the petitioner's VAWA application.

### 4. Sample Letter of Support for a VAWA Self-Petitioner

---

[Your Full Name]  
[Your Address]  
[City, State, ZIP Code]  
[Email Address]  
[Phone Number]  
[Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services  
[Address of the USCIS Office]  
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Subject: Letter of Support for [Petitioner's Full Name] - VAWA Self-Petition

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter in support of [Petitioner's Full Name] and their VAWA self-petition. My name is [Your Full Name], and I have known [Petitioner's Full Name] for [number] years as [describe your relationship, e.g., a close friend, family member, colleague, etc.]. I am fully aware of the circumstances that have led [Petitioner's Full Name] to seek relief under the Violence Against Women Act.

### Background Information

[Petitioner's Full Name] entered into a relationship with [Abuser's Full Name] in [year]. Initially, their relationship appeared to be healthy and loving. However, over time, it became evident that [Abuser's Full Name] was abusive. The abuse manifested in various forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological harm.

### Details of the Abuse

I have personally witnessed several instances of abuse. For example, on [specific date], [Abuser's Full Name] [describe a specific incident of abuse]. This incident left [Petitioner's Full Name] [describe the impact, e.g., physically injured, emotionally traumatized, etc.]. Additionally, [Petitioner's Full Name] has confided in me about other instances of abuse, such as [provide additional examples if applicable].

### Character Reference

Despite the challenges and trauma [Petitioner's Full Name] has faced, they have consistently demonstrated resilience and strength. [Petitioner's Full Name] is a person of good moral character, known for their kindness, integrity, and dedication to helping others. They have been actively involved in [mention any community service, volunteer work, or other positive contributions].

### Conclusion

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly support [Petitioner's Full Name]'s VAWA self-petition. They have endured significant hardship and abuse, and granting them relief under VAWA would provide them with the safety and stability they deserve. I urge you to consider their application favorably.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]  
[Your Signature]

---

### 5. Conclusion

A letter of support for a VAWA self-petitioner is a vital document that can significantly impact the outcome of their application. It should be detailed, honest, and supportive, providing a clear picture of the petitioner's situation and character. By following the structure and guidelines provided, you can create a compelling letter that aids in the petitioner's quest for safety and legal status.

### 6. TLDR

A letter of support for a VAWA self-petitioner should include an introduction, background information, details of the abuse, a character reference, and a conclusion. It is crucial to provide specific examples and evidence to support the petitioner's claims and demonstrate their good moral character.

---

Sources:
- [USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-eligibility/green-card-for-vawa-self-petitioner)
- [Nolo](https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/proving-your-vawa-case-evidence-submit.html)
- [WomensLaw.org](https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/federal/immigration/vawa-abuse-victims/vawa-self-petitions/applying-vawa-self-petition)

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