Shah Peerally Law Group PC Observing the Domestic Violence Awareness Month – October 2013

In October, The Shah Peerally Law Group PC observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in hopes of helping victims through their pain and moving forward in the fight to eradicate domestic violence from our society. Domestic Violence Awareness Month came to be in October of 1987. The initial purpose for observing this one day was to join victims of domestic violence, particularly battered women and battered women’s advocates, throughout the country that all had a common goal; to end domestic violence, especially against women and children. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the activities all had common themes: “mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end domestic violence.” (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.org )

Aside from the obvious fact that domestic violence infringes upon every person’s basic human rights, it also violates one’s safety and pride. Shockingly, many immigrants are trapped in relationships that are physically, emotionally or sexually abusive because they are fearful of the fact that they will be deported if they leave the relationship. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) specifically provides federal grants and programs that help to prevent domestic violence, as well as to protect those who suffer from family abuse. One of the protections the Act provides is to allow domestic violence victims who are in the United States based on the citizenship or residency of a relative, such as a spouse, to apply for permanent residency. Our law firm helps victims of domestic violence and abuse from an immediate family member who is a US Citizen or lawful permanent resident file a self-petition under the VAWA Act. To empower those who are victims of abuses to stand up for their rights, Shah Peerally Productions has produced “Shattered Freedom”, a film which incorporates real-life, firsthand experiences of Shah Peerally himself and attempts to cover a swath of major social issues related to immigration and domestic violence plaguing our society, making the stories in this film more than just ordinary stories.