Do Non-Citizens Have Rights?

Yes. Federal and state laws provide protection for all survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, regardless of the individual’s country of origin, citizenship or immigration status. The Center’s services are offered free and confidentially to all persons.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act provides protection for undocumented individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. No person in the United States can be denied benefits to any program or activity made available under this act based on national origin.

For example, any non-citizen victim of domestic violence or sexual assault can file for a protection order against his or her abuser.

Your rights

Since adopting the Victims’ Rights Amendment to our state constitution in 1996, Connecticut has enacted many laws that enable crime victims to effectively participate in the criminal justice process, in addition to requiring that all criminal justice professionals address victims’ concerns.

The Office of the Victim Advocate was created in 1998 to help enforce, protect and further the rights of all crime victims – regardless of immigration status – in the criminal justice system. The Victim Advocate:

• Monitors the provision of services provided to crime victims by state agencies and private entities;
• Receives and investigates victim complaints regarding  their treatment by the criminal justice system;
• Intervenes in court proceedings to advocate for victims’ rights when their rights have been violated;
• Makes recommendations to the legislature, victim service providers and criminal justice professionals for changes in state policies and laws to help promote and protect the rights of crime victims in Connecticut.

For more information, visit The International Institute of Connecticut.