Ensuring Safety for Immigrant Survivors

At Saving Grace, we believe that every survivor of intimate partner and sexual violence deserves safety, support and a pathway to healing — regardless of where they come from or what language they speak. But for many immigrant women in Central Oregon, seeking help isn’t just difficult; it feels impossible.

Immigrant women in our community are facing an increasing risk of isolation and harm. Fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, language barriers, financial dependence and a lack of legal protections make it harder for them to escape abusive situations. Many are afraid to leave their homes, worried that reaching out for help could put them or their loved ones at risk of deportation. Others may not know that resources exist or feel they have no safe place to turn.

Intimate partner and sexual violence affect all communities, but immigrant survivors often face additional layers of control and coercion from their abusers. Many are threatened with deportation if they report abuse. Some have their passports or documentation withheld as a means of control. Others are financially dependent on their abuser, making it even harder to leave. The fear and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and too often, survivors believe they have no options.

Even when they try to seek help, the road can be filled with obstacles. Without access to multilingual resources, survivors may feel unheard and misunderstood. Misinformation and fear of law enforcement can prevent them from taking the first step toward safety. Many don’t realize that there are protections available regardless of immigration status, including the Violence Against Women Act and U visas, which provide a legal path forward. But these options are not always well known, leaving many trapped in dangerous situations.

As a community, we have a responsibility to show up for immigrant survivors with empathy and action. By sharing accurate information, fostering inclusive spaces and supporting organizations dedicated to this mission, we can make a real difference, helping survivors navigate complex systems with dignity and hope.

At Saving Grace, we are committed to meeting this moment with care, compassion and unwavering support. We are working to break down the barriers that keep immigrant survivors from accessing the help they deserve. Through language-accessible advocacy, we ensure that no survivor has to struggle to be understood. Our Spanish-speaking advocates and language support tools, along with our trusted community partners, create safe spaces where survivors can find reassurance and guidance.

For many survivors, the fear of deportation is as strong as the fear of their abuser. Saving Grace can help alleviate this fear by connecting survivors to immigration advocacy centers, attorneys and even helping with safety planning and transportation to immigration appointments. We also work to strengthen relationships with local organizations that serve immigrant communities, fostering trust and ensuring that survivors know they are not alone.

This work cannot be done alone. As a community, we have a responsibility to show up for immigrant survivors with empathy and action. By sharing accurate information, fostering inclusive spaces and supporting organizations dedicated to this mission, we can make a real difference, helping survivors navigate complex systems with dignity and hope. We can ensure that no one feels trapped in silence or fear. No one should have to face violence alone.

We invite you to be part of meeting this moment — to be someone that survivors can rely on. Visit our website to learn how to donate, volunteer and support survivors. If you or someone you know needs help, our 24-hour helpline is available at 541-389-7021. You can also visit us online at saving-grace.org.

This article appears in The Source Weekly February 27, 2025.