In our most recent Kitchen Table Talk, intern Emma sat down at the kitchen table to chat with staff attorneys Alison Coutifaris and Sofia Gattorno-Irizarry from HIAS PA about their program to help immigrant women survivors of domestic violence seek justice against their abusers. HIAS Pennsylvania provides legal, resettlement, citizenship, and social services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers from all backgrounds in order to ensure their fair treatment and full integration into American society.

At the outset, Alison notes that immigrant women and girls are “twice as likely” as natural born citizens to “experience domestic violence”.

• Abusers use immigration status as a tool of control to force their partners to stay in the relationship
• Abusers may target immigrants because of a belief that they will not report crimes committed for fear of deportation;
• Immigrant women often feel trapped because of immigration laws, language barriers, social isolation, and lack of resources

HIAS PA aims to diminish these abusive power dynamics by offering legal assistance to immigrant women and girls. Through their Domestic Violence Initiative Program, HIAS Pennsylvania ensures that survivors of domestic violence gain immigration independence from their abuser.

“The more these crimes are prosecuted, the more individuals see that there is relief available. Our strongest weapon is through the community and advocacy.”

Sofia and Alison further describe HIAS PA’s efforts to train law enforcement to ensure that officers are understanding and compassionate toward women and girls who have been victimized by abusers.

We thank Alison and Sofia for their work on behalf of women in our community, and for taking the time to sit down with us at the kitchen table.

If you are a new client trying to access HIAS PA’s services, please call during intake hours. To be included in their intake list, please call (215) 832-0900 Wednesday 9:30am-12:00pm or Thursday 2:00pm-4:30pm.